


IPS 3537 

.E285 
103 

1922 
[Copy 1 






^ '4* . • 



MALIK 





Class j^B-S 12- 
Book .F,l,%zGt2 

Gqyiight)!? L9JLJL 

COBtRIGHT DEFOSm 




Now List to Me, 'tis Yotth Last Chance." 



O A L I N 

BY 

LYMAN SEELYE 
M 

AN otherwise untold tale of the time when 
/ \ the world war was raging; throwing a 
curious side-light on two of its mysteries. 
It is founded on the statements of those who 
claim to bring Kitchner's farewell message to 
his native land. To have defied the censorship, 
by passing to and fro across lines forbidden 
alike to friend and foe; and incidentally to have 
been eyewitnesses to the Cyclops-Waiblingen 
catastrophe: 

When not a son I from cither sJiip 
Had time to breatht a prayer; 

E'er the grim reaper sealed Ins lip, 
And ocian gulfed Iiim there. 




ILLUSTRATIONS BY MOW JEANNE MOUSO 

PRINTERS 

T II 1'. B AYS I I) E P R KSS 

Belij nciiaai , Washington 



O A L I N 

BY 

LYMAN SEELYE 
M 

AN otherwise untold tale of the time when 
/-^the world war was raging; throwing a 
curious side-light on two of its mysteries. 
It is founded on the statements of those who 
claim to bring Kitchner's farewell message to 
his native land. To have defied the censorship, 
by passing to and fro across lines forbidden 
alike to friend and foe; and incidentally to have 
been eyewitnesses to the Cyclops-Waiblingen 
catastrophe : 

When not a soul from either .ship 
Had time to breathe a prayer; 

E'er the grim reaper scaled his lip, 
And ocean gulfed him there. 




ILLUSTRATIONS BY MOW JEANNE MOUSO 

PRINTERS 

T II E BAYS I DP: PRESS 

Bellikoham. Washington 



-3^ 



COPYRIGHT 1 
BY LYMAN SEEL YE 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



JUL -6 1922 

to-/. 

946 



OALIN 

TABLE OF CONTEXTS 

Prologue 
Scene — Seattle. 
A yokel gets his. 

Exordium 

Scene — On the Steamer Whatcom, 

Renewing an acquaintance. 

Canto One 
Scene — Bellingham. 
Boy-Ed and his dupe. 

Canto Two 

Scene — Mexico. 

At the council board. 

Canto Three 

Scene — Berlin. 

Oalin reports to Von Kuehlmann. 

Canto Four 

Scene — Potsdam. 

At a meeting of the war lords. 

Canto Five 

Scene — Laon. 

As guest of the Countess Olm. 



OALIN 

Canto Six 
Scene — Malchow Castle. 
The end of a love dream. 

Canto Seven 

Scene — Malchow Castle. 

Murder of the hunchhack. 

Canto Eight 

Scene — Malchow Castle. 

The maid and the maniac. 

Canto Nine 

Scene — Berlin. 

Lady Olm's explanation. 

Canto Ten 

Scene — Berlin. 

The parting with Von Kuehlmann. 

Canto Eleven 

Scene — Berlin. 

The spider's web is broken. 

Canto Twelve 

Scene — Rosas Bay. 

All aboard the Waiblingen. 

Canto Thirteen 

Scene — On the Waiblingen. 

A pair of mashers. 



table of contents 

Canto Fourteen 

Scene — On the Waiblingen's launch, 

The tragedy of the Cyclops. 

Canto Fifteen 
Scene — Off San Domingo. 
Orders from Washington. 

Canto Sixteen 

Scene — Houston. 

Death of Lieutenant Wichman. 

Canto Seventeen 

Scene — The yokel's home. 

An incognito visit. 

Canto Eighteen 

Scene — Washington. 

The informer. 

Canto Nineteen 

Scene — Bellingham. 

The betrayal. 

Epilogue 

Scene — On the Whatcom. 

Beneath the swirling waters. 

L'Envoy 

A letter from the yokel. 

9 



OALIN 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

BOY-ED TAMES OALIN Frontispiece 

In her eagerness to again meet her lover, tic maid 
to <arry the mail to Germany, and whUe 
wring it for transport, first learns of its treason- 
nature, fi Boy-Ed threat- 
ens, she attempts i caught at the door and 
to save her life takes oath to be true to the under- 
taking. BeUingham, January 5th, 1918 (Canto I). 

PARTING OF OALIN VXD OBREGON Page 55 

two are present at a consultation between Car- 
ranza, Ton Eehardt and the Japanese ambassador to 
Mexico. City of Mexico, January 13th. 1918 (Canto 
II). 

IN THE GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE Page 69 

Von Kvehlmann closely questions Oolln. who admits 
that she is American. Berlin. February 3rd. l''l-> 
into III j. 

THE WIRELESS OPERATOR Pag 8 

The ••fhi" claims the murder shi t i rator 

and the nun is put in charge, when boarding the 
vessi '■ /,' tas Bay. Writing the order i<>r destruc- 
tion of the Cyclops] March . anto XIII I. 

THE CYCLOPS TRAGEDY Pages 22 

ft — The WaibUngen -without lights crosses 
the Cyc' me mine. To avoid colli- 

sion both ships turn sharp to port which brings them 
L wer left — The Cyclops strikes the mine, 
and oicing to the enormous load of ore, is broken in 
two, sinking before the Waiblinger can ' : 
Upper right — The Waibtim '-nun into the 

vortex caused by the greater shift's sudden plunge, 
and lists heavily. L wet righi — As the murder 

ons shells explode. 
Off St. Lucia, before linht. March 5th, 1918 (Canto 
XIV j. 

10 



EXPLANATION 

OALIX? The mystery maid of the war 
times, whom reason bids us consider a 
spy, but whom intuition insists was at 
heart American. Certainly, her courage and 
steadfastness was of the highest Yankee type, 
while her beauty and address so impressed the 
Oriental who first told this tale, that he begged 
the scribe to give her the name of Osaka's an- 
cient heroine. 

Some of this modern wonder story is doubt- 
less history, but the few hours conversation 
between writer and diplomat, who was so 
eagerly searching for trace of one who had out- 
witted him, and was at liberty with a treaty 
designed to change the currents of world affairs, 
left gaps which only could be filled with what 
might have been. 

This is true of the Exordium, the last three 
cantos, the Epilogue and the Envoy, all of which 
are in time subsequent to the telling of the story 
by the Japanese, and is here mentioned, because 
the author believes that the Department of Jus- 
tice, and knows that individuals on that force, 
were during this period making vigorous search 
for the maid, a true history of which may some 
time in a measure supplant what is here written. 

11 



OALIX 

But it is only fair to say that it was the 
opinion of the Japanese, who was her constant 
companion from February sixteenth to March 
twentieth, 1918, that the maid hoped for a 
reconciliation with the lover she discarded to 
become the fiance of the prince, who General 
Obregon bluntly pronounced "The meanest cur 
in German lands." 

In closing this explanation, I earnestly thank 
my personal friends, Arthur J. Craven and 
Charles S. Beard, for their kindly interest and 
helpful criticism; the busy editors and officers 
who have extended to me every possible cour- 
tesy, among whom I must mention L. H. Hadley, 
congressman from the Second Washington Dis- 
trict; Frank I. Sefrit, of Bellingham; Philip 
J. Sinnott, of the N. E. A. Service; Commander 
Walker, from the Department of Justice, and 
Commander W. B. Allison, of the Navy Intelli- 
gence Department; and I am certain that every 
reader of Oalin will join me in thanking the 
fair Bellingham girl, who, in the absence of the 
venturesome maid, illustrates the historical 
scenes in Bellingham, Mexico, Berlin, and on 
the Waiblingen — the was-to-be mother to the 
host of U boats, which after sinking twenty-five 
of our ships, as mysteriously disappeared as 
did the long sought Cyclops. 

- Lyman Seelye. 

May 8th, 1922. 

12 



O ALIN 

Scene — Seattle. 

A YOKEL GETS HIS 

THE ARGUMENT 

A dainty maid in gown of soft sateen, 

And neat in form as ever charmed a knight; 

While the silk-like gleam of her skin was seen, 
To chord in the light from the blue eyes bright, 
With manner sweetly gentle, and polite. 

Mind picture, maid or man, if think you can, 
This one so fair, close holding custom trite. 

A birthright given when the world began. 

If past her teens, it was more than would seem, 
With her real self well masked from prying sight, 

Behind a screen of beauty's dazzling sheen; 
And naught but flight was left the yokel wight, 
When learned this maid did not his love requite; 

But quickly wrecked his long time cherished plan. 
For plenty of power there was to smite, 

In birthright given, when the world began. 

18 



OALIN 

On the grave of her hopes, the grass grew green, 
When for control his love made stubborn fight. 

But fate would appear to be venting spleen, 
For a special twist was given to spite, 
And the yokel soon showed in sorry plight, 

When was found he had failed to place a ban 
On the wilful coyness of maiden sprite. 

The birthright given when the world began. 



L'Envoy 

The lordly man, with all his force and might, 
Trembled in fear when she but shook her fan; 

And though brave, he did not dare contest the right 
That the Lord gave her when the world began. 



14 



PROLOGUE 



I 



The scribe sat idly in his den, 
Above the street, 'twas stories ten; 
And gazed, as often he had done, 
At flowers gleaming in the sun: 
In bloom, though on a roof arrayed, 
Because of care by fairy maid. 



II 



No word on her had ever spent, 

But had in friendly token sent 

Some plants, which in the wood grew wild 

And in return, she sweetly smiled. 

Then because of canvas thrown, 

So when she willed, she was alone, 

And well protected from the mist, 

She pursed her lips as though she kissed. 



Ill 



Don't think of romance 'twixt these two, 
For they unto themselves were true. 
The scribe, her grandsire might have been, 
And twenty claimed him so to them. 
But on this morn the old man's care 
Had been a something in the air; 
A subtle sense of change to come, 
Of fond hopes periled, lost, and won. 

15 



OALIN 



IV 



Whenever he essayed to work, 

A nervous throb struck like a dirk 

Into his brain. Then as he quit, 

There came what startled him a bit : 

The eager voice of one amazed. 

At the canvas the idler gazed, 

And strained attention gave with ear, 

So each word spoken he might hear. 



" In this high place, it would not seem, 
That love could make a secret bower, 
Where to spend full many an hour, 
In sweet commune with wildwood flower. 
Of this I surely did not dream. 

" How came this Eden? Tell me, dear? 
In ancient times we read about 
Such fancies, and I do not doubt 
Their truth, but I could almost shout 

With joy, at though of this one here. 

"Paradise! Naught is wanted more. 
Perched on a roof above the street, 
Where earth and sky would seem to meet, 
Yet its beauty was never beat. 
Tell me, why came I not before? " 



16 



PROLOGUE 

VI 

It was not my will that you should, 
And if I mistake not, you would 
That I never had brought you here; 
And you may think my reason queer; 
But I want, this last time we meet, 
Setting, which makes remembrance sweet.' 



VII 



" The last time we meet? What mean you? 
We both are active, well and strong, 
Have planned a life together, long, 
And love has ever been our song. 
Your very look makes me feel blue. 

" To my question is no reply. 

Well, little sweetheart, it needs none, 
Just count the days which arc to come, 
Before we two will be as one. 
That's all the need 'twixt you and I. 

"And I will take myself to task, 

To learn what I have done amiss; 
Which when is found, it will be bliss, 
To beg forgiveness and a kiss. 
This great boon will I humbly ask." 



17 



OALIN 

VIII 

" Yokel, please your wild pratings cease, 
It will the pangs of parting ease; 
For he, who swore me fealty, 
Now faces stern reality: 
And not with you, nor with your kind, 
Will, though other I may not find, 
I wed. Now can you understand? 
That you must yield the promised hand? 
That we this day forever part? 
And x seek for balm in other heart? " 

IX 

" My God, dear one, can it be true 

That the dark visaged German prince 
Has stolen from me? How long since? 
Ah ! At the name I see you wince. 
Sweetheart, I fear this day you'll rue." 

" Can you not see in that dark face, 

What shows the tiger more than dove? 
Lines that tell of sensuous love? 
And hate of what comes from above? 
Which in a man is out of place. 

" I've wholly trusted you, my fair, 

And dreamed I'd ever constant stay, 
In the far-famed De Wilton's way, 
With; the fond hope I always may 
Consider you my Clare De Clare." 

18 



OALIN 

X 

" There seems no need for argument. 
Here are some billets-doux you sent, 
Also the ring you gave to me; 
So please return soon as may be 
Some missives tied with ribbon blue, 
And picture, of no use, to you. 
Then without any sister stuff, 
Or other time-worn form of guff, 
Each choose a road; but none the less 
Wish for the other happiness." 

XI 

' You sure have set a task. For when 
The letters are not ribbon bound, 
And for the picture, use is found; 
With both tight wound with heartstrings round, 
I fear I cannot part with them. 

' In the future, as in the past, 
The letters will incentive be, 
If kept where I can ever see, 
For me to keep my trust in thee. 
My love, I must to them hold fast. 

' Because it helps to purer thought, 
The picture, by me should be kept, 
Over it I oft have wept, 
And it has watched me as I slept; 
While to you 'tis worse than naught." 

19 



PROLOGUE 

XII 
Tears from the brightly shining eyes 
Came thick and fast, as wild she cries : 
I thought you were a gentleman, 
Who would these matters rightly scan; 
And did not dream that when we part 
You still will hold to stab my heart, 
The weapons with their sting unspent, 
Which may, if you desire, prevent 
My fondest hopes to realize, 
Or ever forming other ties. 

XIII 
My strength will not force them from you, 
And tears, nor prayers, no more than dew, 
Will change your resolution strong, 
To hold me as you have so long: 
But it may please my lord to learn, 
That these threats, which so cruel burn, 
Have been by other person heard, 
One whose judgment may be preferred." 

XIV 

By a deft turn as she thus spoke 
She drew the awning at a stroke; 
And yokel gets a new surprise, 
When to the scribe he lifts his eyes; 
And knows by his attentive mien 
That he has heard, what had not seen; 
But nothing daunted, nor with shame, 
Firmly faced them, and spoke again: 

20 



PROLOGUE 
XV 

If my love goes wandering, I will keep the 

watchfires burning 
Through the lonesome night, as a beacon 

light for the returning; 
And oft will kneel in fervent prayer, to ask 

of God protection 
For her, whose act I never did, and am 

forbid to question. 

Though again we never meet, or if there 

be greetings often, 
At thought of you, my only love, my heart 

will ever soften; 
And if there comes a need of service, to 

you or your lover, 
It will be done, if the great divide I have 

not gone over. 

Now, girlie, give attention; for it will 

come true most likely, 
That he who has turned your head, will 

prove anything but knightly, 
And when alone the world you face, 

there'll be a watchfire burning, 
Through the lonesome night, as a beacon 

light, for the returning." 



21 



OALIX 

XVI 

He ceased to speak, hot flushed his face, 
Unhid, a tear 'cross it did race. 
He gazed at her in earnest way, 
But by no sign was hid to stay. 
Then with the words quite calmly said, 
I wish you well," he turned and fled. 
The maiden to the cornice walked, 
Watched, till he from the building stalked; 
Then without speaking one word more 
Passed downward through the stairway door. 

XVII 

Pensive, musing, the scribe sat long, 

And pity for the yokel's wrong 

Was mixed with sorrow for the maid, 

Who. blindfold was by titled blade. 

He felt that an awakening rude 

Was waiting for the dainty prude: 

And wondering why such things must be, 

Idly gazed o'er the Opal Sea. 

Extra! " The newsboy's cry loud rung, 

Extra! The great war has begun. " 

Then minor tragedies in life 

Were dimmed by vastness of the strife. 



si 



f-xorftmm 

Scene — On the Steamer Whatcom. 

BENEWING AN ACQUAINTANCE 

THE ARGUMENT 

Into the world this maiden went, 

By an illusion sent; 
From out the storm this maiden came, 

And love was changed to shame. 
Bat the Sammy boys were not blind to her, 
Nor meant the Hun to be kind to her, 
Only Yokel had mind of her, 
When out from the storm she came. 

From her true love this maiden turned, 

By an illusion burned-' 
To her true love she came again, 

When reason made her sane. 
But the Sammies worked hard the maid to find 
The cruel Hun was no longer blind, 
Only yokel was in her mind, 
And for this no one will blame. 



23 



OALIN 

I 

One soft, calm, peaceful eve in June, 
When round orbed was the summer moon 
The packet Whatcom, large and strong, 
Full loaded with a motley throng, 
Left her port on the lower sound, 
The Opal Sea's queen city bound. 
Notice posted on door and plate, 
Told that the inner route would take, 
And those, who cared to wait till then, 
Could view the pass at two A. M. 

II 
A portly man, old, bent and gray, 
Arranged a stateroom for his stay, 
Then sought on deck a great armchair 
That stood nearby a corner where 
By aid of upper cabin turned, 
The kitchen flue an angle formed. 
In the recess thus made stood one 
Wearing the vestments of a nun, 
In way, until was rocked the seat, 
Could not be seen, cowl, skirt nor feet. 

Ill 
When tried old scribe to tilt his chair, 
For it was him, who from his lair 
Had viewed the squelching of the blade 
By the fair title anxious maid. 
He of the nun obtained a view, 

24 



EXORDIUM 

But thought for warmth she pressed the flue, 
And slight withdrew to give more room, 
When a surprise came very soon. 
For a small hand firm held him near, 
While soft was whispered in his ear : 

IV 
Hist! Danger o'er your head now lies, 
Should twist, or turn, or show surprise. 
Look straightly down that awful nose, 
And for excitement, drum with toes. 
Then when comes need to speak to me, 
Let it in distinct whisper be, 
That does not hear the man on right, 
Nor those three sauerkrauts in the light. 

V 
Now, sir, before much more is said, 
That tends to fill your mind with dread; 
We better learn that there has been 
No mistake in knowledge of him 
To whom I am low speaking now. 
So with your leave, I'll make my bow. 

VI 
Remember back more than three years, 
When came, what brings so often tears? 
Extra! The great war has begun.' 
What didst, before that note was rung? 
Or did so light impression make, 
What caused another heart to break; 
That it has passed from mental clasp, 
And is beyond your thoughtful grasp? 



OALIN 

VII 

" If that be so, I cannot less, 
Nor more, than clear you from this mess. 
But if with careful study find 
That scene impressed upon your mind; 
Its lines, till now, distinct and clear, 
Then have I that for you to hear, 
What will make plain to after age, 
Much that has puzzled allied sage." 

VIII 
The listener at once replied: 
" Memory of the scene that tried 
The rustic heart, I could not lose, 
Even if should such action choose; 
And when alone, I oft have dreams 
Of the fair maid, who was it seems 
By thought of a title bewitched, 
To such an extent that she stitched 
Love, honor, and a maiden's charms 
To an unknown blade's coat of arms. 

IX 

" But, madam, for such I judge you, 
When do recall the glance I threw, 
Before you bade me watch my nose, 
Tell me, why only whisper goes? 
And also, while you have the floor, 
Inform me on one question more: 

26 



EXORDIUM 

X 

1 Have you seen error in your ways? 
And do you now repent the craze 
That made you spurn an honest heart, 
In which deception has no part, 
For chance to gain a titled rake, 
Who has seen fit your heart to break? ' 

XI 

' My error, surely I have seen, 
And the craze is only a dream, 
Or rather nightmare, which I hope 
This night to finish at one stroke. 
Because I carried German mail, 
Uncle Sam's sleuths are on my trail; 
And when I would not carry more, 
The wily Hun became quite sore. 

XII 

"A supposed friend has sold for gold, 
Knowledge of me to Sammy bold, 
Who will right hard to capture try, 
To kill the aim of German spy. 
Both know I am on the Whatcom, 
Without a chance to further run, 
And unless in your room a blind 
There is, behind which I can find 
Safety, until we reach the pass, 
It may be final for one lass." 



27 



OALIX 

XIII 
" In stateroom only six by nine, 

Chance for concealment is not fine; 

While it would seem that fancy's led, 

Until is turned your thoughtless head. 

And if you were a man, would say, 
' Give up, you sure have lost the play.' ' 

XIV 
While harsh the words the old man spoke, 
The hard pressed maid could easy note 
A quaver in the whispered sound, 
And once again her voice she found, 
To clearly, gently urge her cause, 
Which wrung from him a further pause. 

XV 
" Walk to your room in careless way, 
And leave a place for me to lay, 
Back of your mattress made twice thick, 
By douhling lengthwise of the tick, 
On which must lie in easy form, 
And write, if need be till the morn. 

XVI 

" Then douse your glim, until within 
I safely am; when I will spin 
In your ear an adventure tale, 
Which when is written will not fail 
To he of interest to those 
Who live today, or at the close 

28 



EXORDIUM 

Of a decade, or any one 
Of the centuries yet to come. 
Tell that which is as yet not clear 
To allied savant, nor to seer." 

XVII 
'All very fine, and likewise queer, 
And I would like the yarn to hear; 
But tell me: where will I get off? 
And will not people at me scoff? 
Their keen contempt be made to feel, 
Should I get caught in such a deal? " 

XVIII 

It certainly would not be nice, 
And seems like skating on thin ice; 
To run such chance of being caught, 
Where our past lives would count for naught. 
But, if you steady hold your nerve, 
And from your purpose do not swerve, 
It can be done, and the whole land 
Be pleased to know you had the sand: 
To play life's game, when came the test 
That showed you at your very best, 
That brought you fame at single bound 
And kept you o'er the world renowned." 

XIX 

Long time it seemed to waiting maid, 

Who had good cause to be afraid 

That when the scribe made his decision, 

29 



OALIX 

It would remove her from his vision; — 
He took in study of the ease. 
But instinct told her: in his place, 
To hesitate, meant win at last, 
Would pity for forlorn outcast. 

XX 

" Before the question I decide, 
Which may for us quick turn the tide 
Of life, from good to evil fame; 
Tell me, for I know not, your name. 
Who you are? and what claim on me, 
That I should risk so much on thee? " 

XXI 
" Oalin is the only name, 
By which I will be known to fame, 
And I have not a claim on you, 
Save the one that is ever due, 
From a man to the maid he meets, 
Or to a stranger on the streets. 
But I can tell, and you can write, 
If best you use God-given might; 
What the world will remember long, 
In fireside story, and in song. 

XXII 

" Now haste you to that little room, 
Where I will follow you, as soon 
As certain that the time is right, 
Told by the dimming of the light. 

30 



EXORDIUM 

Before that, you must have blank books, 
Ready to fill with your pothooks, 
And there should be a flask of wine, 
That you may sip from time to time; 
For work you must, until this lass 
Disappears in Deception Pass." 



Envoy 

Old am I, well into the bleak December, 

With one foot almost in the grave: 
Well would it be for me, if I remember 

His fate, who is a woman's slave. 
But from childhood, nor till the late November, 

Never stopped I at fair maid's dare; 
And have a kind remembrance of the sender. 

So when you come, I will be there." 



81 



Canto (§nt 

Scene — Bellingham. 

A SPIDER AND THE FLY 

THE ARGUMENT 

When from the beaten paths of life we lightly stray 

To search beyond the tangled wood 
For the mystery, which makes people sad or gay, 

We pledge 1 ourselves we will be good, 
And dream not that it is a steeply sloping way, 

With no road back to where we stood. 

When different from a patriot's course we lay, 
And careless wear foul treason's hood 

But for a moment; though 'tis true we get no pay, 
We are not doing what we should; 

Nor do we dream it is a steeply sloping way, 
With no road back to where we stood. 

So with a person, or a nation, work or play, 

You cannot backward if you would, 
But ever onward to the fray, both night and day, 

Strike better than it seemed you could, 
And then no harm comes from the steeply sloping way 

With no road back to where you stood. 

3d 



OALIN 

I 

"Am glad, fair lady, you have come 
So promptly to the aid of one 
Who needs; for the Blaine mail is here, 
And it will be more work, I fear, 
Than you had thought to undertake; 
To copy on thin paper make. 
But we must greatly lessen load, 
For you are slight, and long the road. 

II 

" This bunch of letters, sixty-nine, 
Transcribed to India paper fine, 
Will only a few ounces weigh; 
And if we get, as like we may, 
Three hundred, and there might be more, 
Before you sail from Yankee shore; 
See what a difference 'twould make, 
In load that you are forced to take." 

Ill 

" I understood when bargain made, 
This must be, and am not afraid. 
But would much like to have you scan 
The first one copied, if you can, 
To certain feel that in my mind 
Each small detail is clearly lined. 
When this is done, at once to work; 
And till complete, I will not shirk: 
So that at setting of the sun 
I will be ready for the run." 

34 



THE SPIDER AND THE FLY 
IV 

The phone ring came as a surprise, 
And the dread chief of German spies 
Was forced another pledge to keep; 
Leaving his new found dupe to reap 
The harvest she had thoughtless sown. 
For a princeling, foresworn her own, 
Had written from beyond the brine, 
That it would be immensely fine : — 
V 
" To fool for once the tiresome nun, 
And from the convent take a run. 
Then o'er the ocean waves to sail 
While caring for the German mail. 
To cross the Alps in Fokker plane, 
Queen of beauty in Berlin reign, 
And see your prince while at the front 
Command armies, as is his wont. 
So come, my dear, if you have sand, 
For visit to the Fatherland." 

VI 
Armed with this missive, the chief spy 
Well knowing how all arts to try, 
Had sought the girl in convent home, 
Who was with ease induced to roam; 
And little thinking what it meant, 
Had made a sacred covenant 
To take the mail the ocean o'er 
And bring it back from foreign shore; 
With promise never to reveal, 
What she might learn when broke the seal. 

35 



OALIN 

VII 

What it all meant she never dreamed, 
Freedom from ennui it had seemed; 
And to see something of the world 
From which had been so long corralled. 
For it was now well past three years 
Of war's alarms, which often hears, 
Since Oalin her prince had seen, 
With letters few and far between. 

VIII 
A strain of romance in her bred 
Had helped to turn the maiden's head; 
While hate of quiet convent life, 
To which consigned till end of strife, 
Had made her easy prey for him 
Who cared not how, so that he win 
A fancied point for the false Hun, 
Who scheming was the world to run 
On lines which made him lord of all, 
With nations trembling at his call. 

IX 

Seal after seal she deftly broke, 
And typewrote with a rapid stroke; 
Then with great care compared once more 
The old and new imprint, before 
She gave all first ones to the flames, 
And packed the copies in the lanes 
Of quilted pad about her worn, 
Seeming only to round her form. 



THE SPIDER AND THE FLY 

X 

The task was fully half complete 
When something new her eye did meet; 
That set her thinking what was meant, 
And then a full half hour was spent 
In closer scanning of each line; 
And after that she used more time 
In the study of what had done, 
And where would end what was begun. 

XI 

With true import of what had read, 
There came a wildly dizzy head, 
A cheek that scarlet flushed aflame 
And a fierce surging in the brain. 
Then hasty springing to her feet, 
She shook, as though a foe to meet, 
Her clenched hand at the outer wall, 
As said in tones almost a call: 

XII 

Treason! TREASON EVERYWHERE! 
These letters come from here and there, 
From White House, state house and the camp, 
And shell making factories damp. 
From the departments, trained spies these : 
And great committees, culled with ease. 
From preachers, who with prayer and song 
Declare they have been loyal long. 

37 



OALIN 
XIII 

" From office and newspaper plant, 

All filled with everlasting cant : 
' We hear it rumored,' or ' Tis said,' 
Else, ' From a letter I have read.' 
Each crowded with uncensored news, 
Or wily politicians views. 
Thank God, that I the truth have learned, 
Before my fingers worse were burned; 
And now Boy-Ed may take the trail, 
For there will be no German mail." 
XIV 
" Dear Princess, charming, angry maid, 
You should in pantomime have played; 
But error very grave may make 
If think the mail you will not take; 
For you have started on a course 
Where to turn back means death or worse. 
You are dealing with men today 
Who do not bargain just for play. 
True service, they well pay for same, 
But take no chances in the game; 
So quickly work to end the job, 
And leave for weaklings tear and sob." 

XV 
It was the chief of spies who spoke, 

He having entered unobserved: 
And in his tone was that which broke 

Hope of escape, and near unnerved 
She faced those demon gleaming eyes, 

Which seemed to burn, and wildly cries : 



THE SPIDER AND THE FLY 

XVI 

" I will not do this treason thing, 
Will not carry, nor will I bring; 
Nor on it will I waste my breath, 
Not even though my fate be death. 
My life will end by mine own act, 
Before I will of such foul pact 
Do more; and surely did not know 
It was for this the mail must go." 

XVII 
The dark eyes of the startled Hun 
Blazed in fury, and his voice rung 
With words, whose awful meaning filled 
Her with such fear that her heart chilled. 
Then threat that seared like lash of whips, 
Came from the cruel bloodless lips; 
While entreaty and argument, 
Held hope the horror to prevent. 
XVIII 

" Fool ! Or woman, you do today 
Stand at the parting of the way. 
To death, the path you threat to take; 
To life, if follow the line I make. 
Death, cursed by country, friend and foe. 
Life, honor and happiness, I know 
Are in your reach, if you but do 
What friendly reason asks of you. 
XIX 

" Not for a moment can you stop, 
The mail from leaving on the dot 
39 



OALIN 

Of time now set for it to go. 
For soft the breeze, or hard the blow, 
Many there are would like the trip; 
And though so wild to press your lip 
I know the brave Prince Bernard is, 
You'll do my way, or ne'er touch his. 

XX 

! ' If you falter or give me cause 
To think you care for Yankee laws; 
Or if you waver in the least, 
I will not more than would a beast," 
His voice pitched to an almost cry, 
While raised his heavy hand on high, 
Made it appear the end had come, 
And that the girl's life race was run. 

XXI 

She quick, sprang past uplifted hand 
And backward at him wildly slammed; 
But throbbing heart-beats sudden stopped, 
When learned the outer door was locked. 
Before she could from the place slip, 
On neck and shoulder felt the grip 
Of iron hand, which forced her to 
Her knees, in spite of what could do. 

XXII 

" Now list to me. 'Tis your last chance," 
He said, as caught her upward glance. 

" If to our Fatherland art true, 
And him who ever dreams of you, 

40 



THE SPIDER AND THE FLY 

Then to protect his love from harm, 
I'll freely give my strong right arm; 
And this fair maid, now wan and lone, 
Be glad to meet in happy home." 

XXIII 

When spoke of love, he quiver saw, 

And quick advantage took of flaw 

In armor shown. " Now take your oath, 

You ever will be true, to both 

Love and the Fatherland. Then will 

Forget the burning words that fill 

Our hearts with woe, and when we meet 

Again, in pleasant manner greet." 

XXIV 

When he had done, the girl thought long 
In study of the treason wrong. 
Not swifter was his changing rant, 
From murder threat to pious cant; 
Than that which changed the maiden naive, 
To woman fair, mature and grave. 
The frightened weakling in despair 
To one who could much do and dare. 

XXV 
But e'er on action could decide, 
The spy refused to longer bide. 
Tight grasping her in fiercer hold : 
Repeat with me what you hear told, 
And if believe you mean it true, 

41 



OALIN 

I will release my hold on you. 
Out of respect for him you love, 
I will not now this matter shove." 

XXVI 
She looked him squarely in the face. 
" If am allowed to leave this place, 
And more of life is granted me, 
True to my word I'll ever be, 
Will careful care for German mail, 
And if a bride, I will not fail 
To aid my husband in such way 
As loving bride in this world may." 

XXVII 
He loosed his hold. She could not rise 
Unaided, though so hard she tries. 
The finger marks on tender flesh, 
Long time showed, as a scarred mesh, 
Of bluish black on dainty white. 
And though the pain wrung moan of fright, 
She to the work at once returned, 
Knowing her fingers had been burned. 

XXVIII 
The twilight found her full prepared, 
To do what she would not have dared 
On yester eve to think about; 
And calmly listened to the lout, 
Who oft repeated words to guide 
As towards Seattle swift they glide. 
Nor did she flush when from him took 
Her passport, formed into a book. 
42 



Canto Sum 

Scene — Mexico. 
AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

THE ARGUMENT 

A misanthorpe and egoist 

Sees light and right as through a mist. 

Then when his plans do not scale true, 

He thinks it is the world gone wrong; 
And o'er his mind a mantle blue, 

Woofed with phantoms, and warped with long 
Threads of obstinacy, makes drear 
What should in life be bright and clear. 

A misanthorpe and egoist 

Dreams that the world to him must list. 

Then when the fates place such an one 

In the control of public weal, 
Where without care great harm is done; 

It mag perchance bring fatal seal 
Of anarchy into full view, 
And ruined is a nation true. 

Such being with an iron hand 
Has long held sway in Aztec land. 
Dreaded alike by friend and foe, 

Because fickle and false to all; 
And more of this man you will know 

When you read of his silly gall. 
More of the workings of a mind 
Warped out of line with human kind. 

AS 



OALIN 

I 
In city built by Aztec bold, 
With New Year less than two weeks old, 
Strange company from nations three 

Were plotting harm to Yankee land; 
Then at death grips on shore and sea, 

To break the strength of German band 
Who threatened the whole world to crush, 
If was not stopped their onward rush. 

II 

With the intriguers sat a nun, 

Sweet faced, soft voiced and withal young. 

And were it not her form was stout, 

Or had you only seen the face, 
You would have said, " Without a doubt," - 

Though other likeness showed no trace - 
It was the maid the German spy 
Had caused the foreign trip to try." 

Ill 

In conversation at the start 
The holy sister took no part, 
But gave the very closest heed 

To fierce Carranza's vent of spleen, 
The crafty von's statement of creed, 
Obregon's careful caution clean, 
And doubly doubtful meaning w T ord, 
She from some wily brown lips heard. 

44 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

IV 

It is this way," Carranza said, 
Stroking his beard, then shook his head, 
As was his wont when in a mood; 
" If Nippon's sons will furnish guns, 
We have enough of men and food; 
Bold lads, who are the very ones 
To put the Gringoes on the bum 
And send them northward on the run." 

V 

He laughed until his guant sides shook 
At thought of how the Yanks would look 
When running from his Mexic band — 

A picture he might never see, 
Except in far fetched fancy's land, 

When filled was he with wine for three. 
Then when his merriment was o'er, 
He spoke again to waiting four. 

VI 

Von Bernstorff made a mess of it, 

When by a slicker he was bit; 

The thought of which gives me a pain. 

For when a Yank gets on the wire 
He sure will spoil the truest aim, 

And set an honest heart afire. 
But the last time we aimed to strike 
There was need for a timber hike. 

45 



OALIN 

VII 

That piece of work does plainly show 
That one who must our movements know 
Is playing false, and needs a knife, 

Keen edged and long, sent with a strong 
Thrust through the very seat of life. 

And when is found, it won't be long 
That he will need more than a berth 
Beneath some feet of fresh turned earth. 

VIII 

Now we must know right from the start, 
So tell us truly, Von Eckhardt, 
On understanding to a man, 

That it's private information. 
If you have means by which you can 

Keep in close communication 
With those who form the high command 
In the distant German Fatherland? " 

IX 

Yes, gentlemen." The crafty Von 
Said as he fixed his eyeglass on, 
And sidewise glance took of the Jap. 

A token that he did not know, 
The exact size of turban cap, 

Which told as much to friend or foe 
Of what was passing in his mental, 
As did the features Oriental. 

46 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 



'A trusted ally of Boy-Ed, 
Who to our cause is firmly wed, 
Leaves every week the Yankee land, 

In charge of valued German mail, 
Which goes direct to high command; 

And word or script will never fail, 
To reach the ear to which is sent, 
Nor will its true import he bent. 

XI 

The traveled route is past this door, 
And packet swift takes message o'er 
The raging main to neutral Spain. 

From thence by light aircraft it goes 
O'er France and through the Switzer lane: 

And soon official Berlin knows 
The happenings across the sea, 
So can forecast what is to be. 

XII 

This holy sister here with us 

Is one who this week travels thus; 

And I can vouch that she is true, 

But such will hardly need to be 
When it is known to all of you 

She is Prince Bernard's fiance: 
And no one will even wonder 
If safe his message be with her." 

47 



OALIN 

XIII 

That's good.' " the whiskered chief exclaimed, 
And on the Jap his squint eye aimed. 
Please, little brother, let us know 

What Nippon now intends to do. 
Will she play false and aid our foe, 

Or will she to her friends be true? 
So much depends on action now, 
I scarce can wait to hear her vow." 

XIV 

The Oriental had till then 

Been listener to other men; 

And no excitement had he shown. 

Though the first speakers made it plain, 
That danger in their move was known; 

And dread that he might think insane 
Attempt to strike in flank and rear 
The great republic, whom they fear. 

XV 

He now did speak in crafty phrase 
Which caused their hopes at once to raise. 
Yet naught he said could be construed — 

In fairness to the diplomat — 
To mean he was with hate imbued, 

For dreaded Yankee arms, or that 
Japan would father move to stab 
Nation with whom alliance had. 

48 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

XVI 

' I would I could this moment tell 
Your excellencies all is well; 
With Japan willing as you wish 

To aid you in a movement bold, 
Which would capsize this dish of fish, 

Our poor old world seems doomed to hold. 
But though I can't do this today, 
Some news impart, I think I may. 

XVII 

" There now is in the German land, 
Conferring with the high command, 
A man who has the right to bind 

Nippon in treaty he deems best 
For the interests of mankind: 

And we cannot action take, lest 
It may cross in a vital place 
A line they could not well erase. 

XVIII 

" I will say in a general way, 
Our move depends on what today 
The Kaiser thinks will come to pass. 

The breaking of the allied line 
By the German attack en masse. 

Then Paree's fall would give a fine 
Chance for Japan to intervene 
And end this horrid carnage scene. 

49 



OALIN 

XIX 

" Should this come true, which I think must, 
The new allies would need be just 
To their friend in the Occident; 

And clip her Northern neighbor's wings, 
Who is on greed and conquest bent. 

But understand that many things 
Depend on Germany's success 
In coming scene of frightfulness." 

XX 

He rose to bid the group adieu, 

And likewise did Von Eckhardt too; 

Who e'er he left, turned to the nun, 

With spoken admonition brief. 
Wishing her well, and bade her come 

And greet his frau, after the chief 
Had finish made of private talk, 
If time permitted for the walk. 

XXI 

When they had gone, the stern soldier, 
Diplomat, as well as warrior, 
Obregon, who an arm had lost 

In service of the hectic chief; 
And who in fight ne'er counted cost; 

Exclaimed in voice which shook with grief 
. Though quiver in his frame was sent 
By anger at the president. 

50 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

XXII 

'Are you a fool or just a tool 
Of this smooth Von so crisp and cool? 
Do you not know your tiny blow 

Would no more harm the Northern giant 
Than fly bite would a bull lay low, 

Nor pierce his hide so thick and pliant? 
Why will you like the insect flutter, 
Till swish of tail sends you in gutter? " 

XXIII 

You call me names! And vile insult! " 
Then failing words, the next result, 
To hater of the Yankee race, 

Was choking till for breath he gasped; 
While purple grew his parchment face; 

And had he not been quickly clasped, 
By maid and man, who eased to chair, 
He would have fallen, tearing hair. 

XXIV 

Prompt use of water brought him round, 
And when his voice again he found, 
He begged the maid to tell the man, 

From her own knowledge, how he lied. 
For you have come from where you can 

Explain his meanness, if you tried." 
Then glance to her the soldier gave, 
She understood, meant, quiet knave. 

51 



OALIN 
XXV 

While bathed his face and chafed his wrists, 
And oft undone his tight closed fists; 
She urged him temper to control 

Until had time for month's sojourn 
In land where she had done patrol. 

When like a schoolboy he would learn 
That Yankee lads were hard to whip, 
And better friends than foe to grip. 

XXVI 

Whatever ending this war has, 
Neutral action, you may not pass, 
Or sure destruction you will bring 

To this long time distracted land. 
For this maimed chief, of whom men sing, 

And who for you gave his good hand, 
Did only tell what he knows true, 
So heed him, or men long will rue. 

XXVII 

Though it is made of gallant stuff, 
The Mexic strength is but enough, 
The Yankee passion to enrage; 

And cannot help the Fatherland 
By any war it could now wage. 

So duty calls you, hold in hand 
The dove of peace, that she may bring 
Blessings, which fail, if spread her wing." 

52 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

XXVIII 

The gray head bowed in quiet thought, 
Which to the maid seemed as it ought; 
But startled was on looking up, 

To see beside her standing firm, 
Kurt Jahnka, in hand a brimming cup 

Of sparkling wine, so that the turn 
Of light, bright shining gems would show 
Floating on a sea of brilliant glow. 

XXIX 

The proffered cup Carranza grasped, 
And longed-for contents eager quaffed; 
Which to the others gave a chance, 

That man nor maid dared not refuse. 
To cast at each a searching glance, 

To learn if could, for further use, 
What action; did intend to take, 
Or final disposition make. 

XXX 

His voice, as he addressed the maid, 
Not in the least degree betrayed 
Distrust, because of what had heard. 

In fact, it had a gentle smoothness 
Which might have all suspicion blurred 

Had not the glance disclosed a tenseness 
In the depths of the keen black eye, 
Which read: "For this, the nun must die.' 

53 



OALIN 

XXXI 

" Holy Sister, the word has come, 
That at the morrow's setting sun, 
Your yacht will in the Palmas lay, 

In waiting for the ocean race; 
And prudent captain bids me say: 

' It would be better, in the face 
Of news of allied searching ship, 
E'er the next dawn to cables slip.' 

XXXII 

" So as soon as your work is done, 
And you have strength to make the run, 
I would suggest that we proceed. 

For long the way, and roads are rough, 
And we perhaps will fully need 

The hours, and hope they'll prove enough, 
Then if to start you name the time, 
Your escort will be on the line." 

XXXIII 

Though nameless dread was in her heart, 
She deemed it best at once to start; 
For nothing useful would she gain 

By loitering longer on the way. 
While opposition might inflame 

His angry passions. So in gay 
Tone she made him prompt reply: 
" When you are ready, then am I." 

54 




Is Meanest Cur in Germ ax Laxd. 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 

XXXIV 

In deepest gloom she sought her room, 
But startled was when there did loom 
A stalwart form outside the door; 

And more surprised when she was told 
That interview was wished before 

The coming of her escort bold; 
By the far-famed soldier chief, 
But that Obregon would be brief. 

XXXV 

First of all, I want to thank you 
For the statement so plainly true 
That you made to our president. 

And say, that it is my opinion, 
You need not fear but will be sent 

In safety to the old dominion. 
But once there, you will have good cause 
To shudder; and I bid you pause. 

XXXVI 

For he to whom is pledged you hand 
Is meanest cur in German land; 
Devoid of principle and honor, 

And should a well shunned outcast be. 
Strange that one than Houri fairer, 

Should fail to spot him debauchee; 
And stranger, that she consent for life, 
To be to such a brute, a wife." 

57 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

What more the blunt chief might have said, 
Was stopped by gesture of the maid; 
Who by the swiftness of attack, 

Was for a fleeting moment stunned. 
But rallied quickly, and came back 

With words, whose biting point unnumbed, 
Would have sent to a weaker heart, 
Shiver, like that from Paynim dart. 

XXXVIII 

Four slanderer, your pratings stop, 

Or I'll forget that I am not 

A man with strength." What more she would 

Have said was stilled by auto horn; 
And realizing that it could 

Do no one good to voice her scorn, 
In hearing of Kurt Jahnke's men, 
She silent turned and fled to them. 

XXXIX 

The warrior stood and watched the while, 
And played o'er face a puzzled smile. 
Gee whiz ! She is a snappy piece, 

Whom it would seem can fight her way; 
So this old duff will worry cease 

With the fond hope that win she may." 
Then changed his murmur into song, 
As towards his camp he trudged along. 

58 



AT THE COUNCIL BOARD 
L'ENVOY 

She was a maid just out of her teens, 

As fair as ever was seen; 
And he a lad filled full of fool dreams 

Of angels, and a sweet girl queen. 
They played with fire and parted in ire, 

Now claiming they never have met; 
But broken heart and a hardened liar 

Left cynic and a suffragette. 

And every day is seen 

A one time sweet girl queen, 

Who insists that she never met 

Him, who changed her to a suffragette. 

But such is our old world's token, 

And hearts were made to be broken. 



59 



(llmttn W^ttt 

Scene — Berlin. 

OALIN REPORTS TO 
VON KUEHLMANN 

THE ARGUMENT 

Though fierce attack and learned argument 

Fails to shake a statesman's view, 
His armor, proof 'gainst words that men invent, 

And firmly holds his version true, 
The conversation of a maid or child, 

Like the effect of swaying twig, 
Which often sends the speeding bullet wild, 

May change the course of events big. 

At times it is the same in private life, 

For the plans that will withstand 
The hardest blow, nor shaken are by strife, 

Lightly slip from wisdom's land, 
And ofttimes are changed because of whim 

Of a maid or prattling child; 
Though well is known there is no chance to win, 

For projects left to fancies wild. 



61 



OALIN 

I 

Von Kuehlmann, in his stuffy den, 
This morn denied himself to men. 
Fretting because had been delay 

In the coming of one he desired 
To quiz and coach that winter day, 

E'er another her patience tired. 
For much depended on the news 
And her report of Yankee views. 

II 

Full well he knew, this dapper Von, 
The danger which attended on 

A false move, if by Germans made. 
That now on edge of precipice 

The fate of many nations laid; 

With crumble near because of this. 
What wonder then he ill could wait, 
And silent muse on coming fate. 

Ill 

'Twas after he had fretted much, 
That finger did the callbell touch; 
And then instruct the messenger, 

Who in response to signal came, 
To go at once in search of her, — 

" But do not mention any name; " 
Who by appointment should have been 
In conference with him at ten. 

62 



OALIN REPORTS TO VON KUEHLMANN 

IV 

E'en as he spoke a maid so fair 
'Twas cause for connoisseur to stare, 
Stood in the doorway of the den, 

And following a searching glance, 
She very calmly spoke to them. 

" I am the one of whom, perchance, 
You may have heard in word from Boy-Ed, 
And message bring to you," she said. 

V 

Her crisp coolness somewhat nettled 
Richard, and his cold eyes settled 
On her with a curious look; 

Thinking her face an open page, 
Which he might read as would a book. 

But trembling voice plain told his rage, 
When made demand in accents clear, 
Prefaced by formal words : " My dear, 

VI 

Will you kindly explain to me, 
In the fewest words that may be, 
Why I have been waiting for you, 

Through a lonesome hour or more? 
And also please tell if 'twill do, 

And answer will not make you sore, 
What you have been doing, to keep 
Away from this number and street? " 

G3 



OALIN 

VII 

His petulance caused her to smile, 
While lack of fear did quick beguile 
The wild suspicion, which had come 

Into a brain war worn and weary. 
Then his features, oft called handsome, 

Relaxed into expression cheery; 
As expectantly he waited 
For the explanation stated. 

VIII 

I came from overseas in garb, 

Which had you seen, 'twould have been hard 

To make my lord believe it me. 

Garb of sedate and stout formed nun, 
And the padding, which had to be, 

Was the letters with which I come. 
And I only waited to slip 
The wanted mail into a grip." 

IX 

When ceased to speak, she piled his desk 
With letters brought from out the West. 
His glance but for a moment slipped 

To the great heap in front of him; 
Which showed a ream of letters shipped 

When facing death, in manner grim; 
That had from Yankee land been bled 
By the fertile wiles of Boy-Ed. 

64 



OALIN REPORTS TO VOX KUEHLMANN 

X 

His anger fully mollified, 

He shoved the longed-for mail aside, 

And looking squarely in her face, 

Low spoke in simple, kindly word, 
Free from every thought or trace 

Of suspicion; and when was heard, 
Full well she knew the Fatherland 
Was basing hope on rope of sand. 

XI 

Though I doubt not its contents fine, 
This news can wait a little time, 
Till you have told me in detail, 

How in America was gathered 
This great amount of precious mail; 

How the voyage was safely weathered. 
And bear in mind each incident 
May have a hidden meaning sent." 

XII 

She noted his tense anxiety, 
And thought of the great variety 
Of episodes she had passed through, 

Since from the quiet sister's home 
She had by fraud and stealth withdrew. 

Then wondered if she should make known 
To this man of the world of strife 
These cloudings in a young girl's life. 

65 



OALIN 

XIII 

His wistfulness caused him to win, 
And frankly spoke the maid to him. 
At first with quiver in her voice, 

A hesitancy, new to her; 
But soon, the making of the choice 

Ended the latent dread of slur; 
When volubly she did recite 
Each event in its place aright. 

XIV 

"A Yankee born and bred am I, 
Nor shield that fact will ever try. 
But plighted troth to German gave, 

E'er rolled o'er earth war's fierce alarms : 
And hold that nobleman or slave, 

Should never yield his home's sweet charms, 
To policy of foreign state, 
But cling to fortunes of his mate. 

XV 

" So when from love a letter urged 
To come o'er sea that wildly surged, 
And bring with me the German mail, 

I promptly bargained with Boy-Ed 
To make the trip, and without fail, 

Report to you the message said; 
And well for written missives care, 
On land, o'er sea, and through the air. 

66 



OALIN REPORTS TO VON KUEHLMANN 

XVI 

" We first tapped this treason sewer, 
Whose foul stench would make Hades bluer; 
In northern town of Bellingham, 

Fair city by the Opal Sea; 
Where, supposed loyal every man, 

Seventy letters waited me. 
An hundred more Seattle gave 
And Portland helped to swell the wave. 

XVII 

"A San Francisco banker sleek 
Had package stranger bade him keep, 
Till called for by a signature 

Which Boy-Ed matched with perfect ease. 
But this was easy to endure, 

Beside the stuff where limits cease; 
For a lady evangelist 
In Angeles filled out the grist. 

XVIII 

" It was in the last mentioned town 
I parted from the man whose frown 
Makes me tremble, when I think of him 

As the matchless chief of German spies, 
And whom to cross would be a sin, 

Only wiped out when the sinner dies. 
Thereafter, so far as I know, 
It was just me who bossed the show. 

67 



OALIN 

XIX 

" From San Diego in a launch, 
Ocean going, swift and staunch. 
In Mazatlin it landed me; 

From thence, by rail to Mexico, 
Where conference of nations three 

Was held, e'er I to Palmas go 
By motor car and hack of mule, 
That oft refused to own my rule. 

XX 

" Waited in Palmas River's mouth, 
A ship, that first proceeded south 
To pick up news off Vera Cruz, 

Then speeded eastward night and day, 
Landing at last where each week does 

A mail, on shore of Rosas Bay. 
Swift ride in Fokker over France, 
And of the trip you have a glance." 

XXI 

With finger tips he softly drummed, 
Then some letters deftly thumbed, 
While o'er his face came a sad smile, 

E'er he again the silence broke: 
" O maiden fair and free from guile, 

What think would think the Yankee bloke, 
If knew the censor he had placed 
Had in this manner been disgraced? " 

68 



OALIN REPORTS TO VON KUEHLMANN 

XXII 

:< Think what is true. I traitor am, 
Unfit to call American. 
Yet was in a position placed 

Where must 'twixt love and country choose. 
Foul traitor or false friend, I faced 

When tested by differing views. 
But now, my Lord, 'tis time for work 
And duty should not longer shirk." 

XXIII 

" Dost think your friend will even dream 
Of shades in life that you have seen? " 
T^hen checked his words and voice changed, 
When sees the hot flush on her face. 
' Not yet for work are matters ranged, 
For I would know the view you place 
On the peculiar situation 
Which now confronts the German nation." 

XXIV 

" My views would be a woman's guess, 
Who blindly knows there is a mess 
In need of illumination: 

But cannot at the present form 
A useful expostulation. 

So candidly, I would you warn 
Against wandering from the facts 
And plain description of my acts." 

71 



OALIN 

XXV 

While she was speaking, sad thoughts were 
In mind of him who studied her; 
Intent to know how well she knew 

The details of the awful game 
Of fate the world was passing through. 

Then hoping she would help him tame 
The high command to reason real, 
He made again a grave appeal. 

XXVI 

" This old world is full of strife, 

And battle is in the air, 
While loudly the drum and fife 

Are calling everywhere 

For men with strong arms bare, 
To aid their Fatherland, till 

The victory does declare. 
YOU CAN AID THEM IF YOU WILL." 

" Sorrow is in every life, 

And guant famine from its lair 
Grimly stalks each child and wife: 

While from many homes the glare 

Of embers is all that's there. 
Words of cheer will send a thrill 

Of hope. Surely, on the square 
YOU CAN AID THEM, IF YOU WILL. 



72 



OALIN REPORTS TO VON KUEHLMANN 

Harsh words cut like cruel knife, 

But kind ones from maiden fair 
Will calm passions now so rife, 

And greatly help to wear 

The corners that ugly flare 
From wounds, which bode more ill, 

And the strongest heartstrings tear. 
YOU CAN AID THEM, IF YOU WILL. 

" When is ended all the blare, 
And the trumpet sounds are still, 

Then is needed just the care, 
YOU CAN GIVE THEM IF YOU WILL." 

XXVII 
Silent and sad the fair one listened, 
While in her eyes the dew drops glistened, 
As pondered well, e'er word replied. 

Wondering how she might good do, 
And if his plea best be denied, 

Or what a yielding would lead to? 
But when his words were studied o'er 
She held converse with him once more. 

XXVIII 

One among a million maids 
Cannot in an idle hour 

Still this tempest born in Hades 
Now sweeping wall and tower, 
So fierce that strong men cower, 

73 



0AL1N 



And to safe moorings cling; 
Although a fragile flower 
FROM DEATH MAY TAKE THE STING. 



If she conies from woodland glades, 

Or in city has her bower; 
Chooses love from mongst the blades 

Or yields to lowly plower; 

You may fighting nations scour, 
E'er find the maid with ring 

Not ready with her dower 
FROM DEATH TO TAKE THE STING. 



But our hope for peace oft fades 

When politician spoiler, 
With his many schemes and trades 

Does much sustenance devour, 

And allows what's left to sour, 
Keeping the dove on wing, 

While at the bird does glower, 
TILL DEATH HAS LOST ITS STING. 



" When black clouds o'er us lower 
And the wild birds fail to sing; 
'Tis still in true love's power 
FROM DEATH TO TAKE THE STING." 



74 



OALIN REPORTS TO VOX KUEHLMANN 

XXIX 

The day was gone. The letters sent 
To where it was their first intent. 
Though from many had notes been made, 

For use in the foreign office; 
While with a few the censor played 

Till only a harmless doughface 
Greeted the reader with a smile, 
And seemed completely free from guile. 

XXX 

Von Kuehlmann, musing, sat alone, 
While humming tune in softest tone. 
Deep thinking of the Yankee maid, 

Who, when the trying work was done, 
Would not have any longer stayed, 

Had he not urged, and promise won, 
That on the morrow she would go 
And strike for peace an earnest blow. 

XXXI 

Though rated as a leading Junker, 
The then German foreign minister 
Did at this time quite clearly see 

The danger in an offensive, 
And thought that peace would easier be 

Before forced to the defensive 
The mighty Teutan legions were, 
And that such prudence cast no slur. 

75 



OALIN 

XXXII 

Because of this, he would obtain 

The views 'twas plain were in the brain 

So capable, full sure was he 

Of forming a just conclusion: 
And hoped he then would able be 

To dispel the strange illusion 
Which blinded the general staff: 
That Yanks were men at whom to laugh. 

XXXIII 

Poor little girl," he murmured low, 
Full well I know you'll get a blow 
Which will for life cause aching heart. 

For greater beast could not be found, 
Did search from where you first made start, 

In every dive and sinkhole found. 
Yet with the Prince, I cannot break, 
For world affairs would be at stake. 

XXXIV 

But I will write to Sophie Olm, 

That which will put her keen wits on 

Clear understanding of the case; 

And she may do what I cannot: 
Keep sorrow's trace from off that face, 

Which not, and ne'er should have a blot 
Of any kind, and when 'tis written, 
Forget that I e'er have been smitten." 

76 



Canto Jfamr 

Scene — Potsdam. 

AT A MEETING OF THE 
WAK LOEDS 

THE ARGUMENT 
Advice to potentate with power drunk, 
To do what to him seemeth power shrunk, 
Is like flaunting red at an angry bull 
Or pouring water in a jug that's full, 
And better be done by one with a pull; 
'Less the doer is looking for trouble 
And stands ready to jazz with the devil. 

Plain words to one on the highway of ruin, 

Showing that wild oats he must cease strewing; 

Is but heaping fresh coals on the fire, 

Or seeming intent to puncture his tire, 

And unless he is a pretty slick liar, 

The adviser is sure booked for trouble, 

And qite likely to jazz with the devil. 

The easy path in this old world of ours 
Is, to not interfere with the powers. 
But there are times when it must be done 
Or harm to the helpless will certain come. 
And if you happen to be the one 
Whom duty calls to face the trouble, 
Keep in step for your jazz with the devil. 

77 



OALIN 

1 

A strong north wind with frozen wings 
That winter morn was shaking things, 
And o'er the face of casement panes 

In Potsdam's gloomy palace traced 
Frosting, showing Southland lanes 

Which were by scenes in Arctic faced. 
But deep within those massive w r alls 
Were well warmed rooms and frescoed halls. 

II 

Sconced in the Kaiser's private den 
Were three, now portly, old, gray men. 
Each one wearing a savage scowl 

Which plainly told of hatred drear; 
While drooping head and hanging jowl 

As surely said, defeat we fear. 
But these trained warriors tried and stern 
Would still fight on, though the world burn. 

Ill 

Such meeting in the recent past 
Each time had meant another blast, 
And further slaughter of the meek. 

But now, if could believe the word 
Of him, who was the first to speak, 

They met to study what had heard, 
Which might their present worries ease. 
And learn if there was chance for peace. 

78 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

IV 

Von Kuehlmann and the Chancellor 
Have urged that a conference for 
The careful consideration 

And general diagnosis 
Of the present situation 

Be called; and, gentlemen, this is 
The cause for meeting here today; 
Where each war chief will have his say." 



As the Kaiser spoke, Von Capelle 
Noted that he was far from well. 
While the slow hesitating voice, 

Together with the shoulders droop, 
Told that the meet was not his choice; 

But like one who has looped the loop, 
Seemed to be in a dizzy trance, 
And could not look when took the chance. 

VI 

Von Hindenberg did also note 

His master's state of mind, and spoke 

In a hurried questioning tone, 

Which trembled with rising anger; 
For well it was already known, 

That believing there was danger 
To the German Fatherland in sight, 
Von Kuehlmann wished to end the fight. 

79 



OAL1N 

VII 

I fear that on our council board 
Is one whose presence is untoward; 
In that he seems to be afraid 

To frankly, firmly look in face 
A situation he has made 

By weakling moves, which bear no trace 
Of necessary statesmanship, 
And from whom reason seems to slip." 

VIII 

E'er more could say, Von Kuehlmann came, 
The man on whom he cast the blame; 
And with him was what ne'er before, 

At least in present Kaiser's time, 
Had passed the German council door. 

A lady, young, if count the time 
That she had been on earth by years — 
Just at the age of smiles and tears. 

IX 

The face plain showed a Yankee lass 
Of what is known as middle class; 
But the dress was Parisienne, 

Taboo in Berlin at the time, 
And very many years had been. 

Though nothing in her poise or line 
Betrayed a knowledge of the ban, 
Nor looks, which passed from man to man. 

80 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

X 

The foreign secretary smiled 

When saw the frowns so fierce and wild 

Had no efflect upon his charge; 

And knowing well he must be host, 
Prompt motioned to an armchair large, 

From which retreat was seen at most 
A face so wondrous sweet and fair 
That one more so, ne'er had been there. 

XI 

On weighty matters we are called 
And it would seem an act quite bald 
To bring this friend, though debonair, 

From whom 'tis plain you cannot part, 
Into the German lion's lair: 

And is it this affair of heart 
That's hindered work so much of late 
And caused you to some blunders make?" 

XII 

What more the doughty Von Capelle 
Would have remarked is hard to tell; 
For a new surprise was now in store, 

When in the secret council room, 
Scowling, gloomy, grim and sore — 

An act, which once would actor doom — 
The haughty quartermaster came, 
And with him one, old, bent and lame. 

81 



OALIN 
XIII 

The stranger's strangely wizened face 
Showed him to be of Slavic race, 
While shiny, shabby suit of blue, 

Which coupled with scholastic form, 
Gave to every one the cue 

That this old duffer, though so lorn, 
Had in his pate a thought deemed great 
By him who was just now his mate. 

XIV 

The Admiral was in such mood 
That rattling row would do him good. 
So quickly, with mock courtesy, 

Wheeled other chair beside the maid's, 
Then gave full reign to fantasy. 
" Now list to wisdom straight from hades, 
For beast and beauty have the floor, 
And will claim fealty evermore. 

XV 

But e'er begins their dismal yowl, 
'Twere best their keepers lift the cowl 
Which deeply covers reason; why, 

The presence here of what may be 
A Yankee, or a Russian spy. 

This is no place, as all can see, 
On imperial council board, 
For riffraff from the foreign horde." 

82 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XVI 

This tirade caused His Majesty 

To prompt assert authority, 

And speaking first to Von Gapelle 

Reminded him that at such time 
It might be best to study well, 

Suggestion made on any line; 
Either by speech or letter read; 
Then to the Quartermaster said: 

XVII 

Reason for this you doubtless have, 
And explanation, which will salve 
The feelings of our comrades here; 

For well I know you would not come 
To our presence in manner queer 

Did you not feel assured that some 
Word brought of import was to all. 
So for report I will now call." 

XVIII 

The monarch's graciousness alayed 
The anger heretofore displayed; 
Though arrogance was ever shown 

In manner of the bold war chief, 
Whose temper fierce was often known 

To show itself beyond belief. 
But now in mood for argument, 
Quick, answer gave to challenge sent. 

83 



OALIN 
XIX 

It is apparent to us all 

That to insure Paree's quick fall, 

America must be prevented 

From coming to our foe's relief 
With the food so badly needed. 

For surely 'tis the bread and beef 
That Germany has cause to fear. 
Stop them and then war's end is near. 

XX 

The rabble horde of Yankee troops, 
Undisciplined, except in whoops, 
Supplied with only rifle arms, 

Maudlin at parting with their dears, 
And busy seeking other charms, 

If can believe what often hears, 
Will furnish practice for our boys 
Who do not run because of noise. 

XXI 

This gentleman, who came with me, 

Has, in so far as I can see, 

Plans which will stop the Yankee rush, 

Or at least will hold in check; 
Until we have had time to crush 

What now is only beaten wreck 
Of army, once the mighty host 
Which made both France and England boast. 

84 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XXII 

Examination I have made 

Of his shell, and am not afraid 

To vouch that it will mischief do 

In any town on which it drops. 
While careful tests have proven true 

The claim he makes, that e'er it stops, 
His gun gives range of thirty miles 
Before has need to scatter tiles. 

XXIII 

I will not longer loud declaim, 
But the professor will explain 
The detail workings of the scheme — 

If given your permission — 
Which when is heard, and vantage seen, 

I do not doubt that the decision 
Will be for action on it quick, 
To turn the trick in manner slick." 

XXIV 

Only a nod from the War Lord 

Checked rising murmur of discord, 

And brought, like spring of jumping jack, 

The strange professor to his feet. 
He, deigning not to answer back, 

Nor argument of foe to meet, 
Did not for single moment shirk, 
But went directly to his work. 

85 



OALIN 

XXV 

" Mine Emperor, and gentlemen, 
I think it not beneath your ken 
To learn why the Quartermaster 

Has brought me here to tell of shells 
That to our foe will bring disaster. 
So terrible in force and smells, 
That in a city where are thrown 
A great death list is ever shown. 

XXVI 

" One little fragment have I here, 
So small that you will think it queer, 
For me experiment to make 

On millionth part of what's in shell. 
But really, I will undertake 

To show the force and smell as well, 
By action of this trifling mite; 
And if I'm right, 'twill give you light." 

XXVII 

Soft laid he on the marble slab 
A speck of brightly shining dab, 
Scarce larger than a clover seed. 

Then for a wooden gavel reached, 
Which Von Capelle had seemed to need. 

For his fingers the thing had tweaked, 
As though the twisting in his hand 
Had made of it a magic wand. 

S6 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XXVIII 

Sharp tap he dealt the title dab 
With wooden thing on marble slab, 
When came a flash one full yard long, 

And gavel thrown to ceiling was, 
Though fragment of the handle strong 

Remained in striker's hand, because 
Of the firm grip by which 'twas held; 
While plain, the man was almost felled. 

XXIX 

A horrid odor filled the room, 

Which would have made each person swoon 

Had not acetic moistened cloth 

Been quickly passed to every one; 
With the order to blow breath off, 

And any great inhaling shun 
Till safely in the outer hall 
With back against the further wall. 

XXX 

So prompt this order was obeyed, 

That each one saw the next move made. 

When great as their surprise had been 

At force by the explosion shown, 
And mass of gas that mantled them; 

They were in more excitement thrown 
By the next act of wizard man, 
The climax of a well laid plan. 

87 



OALIN 

XXXI 

In front of them a thing of gauze, 
So light that would in mid air pause, 
Was sudden flung with magic skill, 

And flash of match caused it to burn, 
Seemingly at the strange man's will. 

Then gas to the bright flame did turn, 
As could be seen by mist of blue, 
Softly moving the clear air through. 

XXXII 

The blaze stopped downward tendency, 

And it is not a flagrancy 

To say that worked! like wick in oil, 

The filmly thing self poised in air ; 
Nor showed the least incline to spoil, 

Until all gas had burned, when bare 
Threads brightly flashed in yellow flame, 
And ended was the chemist's game. 

XXXIII 

With the gas gone and air now pure, 
The stranger felt his footing sure; 
And soon as each was in his place, 

He spoke to them with perfect ease; 
While a bland smile played o'er his face, 

When saw their interest increase; 
And that each man was now intent 
On learning what his actions meant. 

88 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XXXIV 

" You do not longer doubt the strength 
Of these new shells, and the great length 
To which they can with ease be thrown, 

Was by the Quartermaster told. 
So now you would that I make known 

Manner in which our seamen bold 
Will cause the Yanks such fearful loss 
That they dare not the ocean cross. 

XXXV 

"A mother ship well stored with them, 
And goodies for our gallant men, 
Will furnish shells to each U boat; 

Which will in range of city go, 
With darkness for a safety coat; 

Then quickly will a dozen throw, 
E'er sinks beneath the rolling wave, 
And leave the Yanks to city save. 

XXXVI 

' Give great New York a dose or two, 
In the bean town just one will do; 
Brotherly Love and Baltimore, 

Each will receive a smashing jolt. 
Hit Washington to make them sore, 

And on Orleans take strangle holt. 
When this is done, Yank knees will bend. 
And peace envoys they quick will send." 

89 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Scarce had the chemist ceased to speak 
When Ludendorf sprang to his feet 
To supplement what had been said 

With more definite explanation. 
He action urged till face was red, 

And plainly showed his agitation, 
When spoke of terms the Yanks would make, 
If face to face with horror great. 

XXXVIII 

The allies on our western front 
We are prepared at once to hunt 
From out their holes, and Paris gain. 

Which when is done, they quick will ask 
What terms we feel that we can name. 

Then will we set on them a task, 
Which will keep busy for a time 
The wits of French and English kine." 

XXXIX 

The Foreign Secretary, sad 
Had listened to the feast of gab; 
Whispering pipedreams of success, 

While boasting of a hidden, power 
That Germany did not possess; 

And wondered if had come the hour 
When he could make them understand 
They did but grasp a rope of sand. 

90 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XL 

Instinctively he realized 

That now his plans must be revised. 

For his fellows were in no mood 

To list to words that told defeat; 
And such speaking would but add food 

To their fierce anger, and to meet 
This unexpected situation 
The maid was placed in the equation. 

XLI 

Before decide," he thoughtful said, 

Let us be by reason led; 

And list to what this maid will say, 

For she has ranged the Yankee land, 
And each message received today 

Was copied by her dainty hand. 
So she has chance for clearer view 
Than has had any one of you." 

XLII 

To her, each eye expectant turned, 
Into her soul these glances burned. 
But thought of misery and woe, 

She might avert if could keep cool; 
And not let aught of terror know, 

These men, who dreamed the world to rule: 
Gave her a sphinx-like, jaunty air, 
When she made answer to the dare. 

91 



OALIN 

XLIII 

" Mine Emperor and Noble Lords, 
Receive my thanks and weigh my words. 
For your Foreign Secretary 

Has truly said I hold a view, 
Gained in my itinerary, 

Which will seem raw and new to you. 
The view that you are near the end, 
And soon will break, if fail to bend. 

XLIV 

" Each one well knows mistake was made 
When bluff against the Yankees played. 
Do not repeat that childish blunder, 

By underrating your new foe; 
Or men in after times will wonder, 

What caused the Germans to do so. 
What fantasy was guiding them, 
Blindfold into the Gorgon's den. 

XLV 

" Do not dream you are free from harm, 
Because they're fresh from shop and farm 
For these green troops will surely fight. 

Mistake it is to think their guns 
For service are too small and light; 

And you will quickly be the ones 
Who'll learn offense has reached its limit 
When the Yankee riflemen are in it. 

92 



AT A MEETING OF THE WAR LORDS 

XLVI 

" The use of horror on your part 
Has Germans harmed from very start; 
And this will no exception be, 

For you cannot a vital reach, 
As soon you will have chance to see 

What folly is prepared to teach. 
But then, my Lords, it will be late, 
On sure defeat to close the gate. 

XLVII 

' Not ambition's beckoning hand, 
But love for native German land, 
Should be your guide in the sore strait 

In which this nation is today. 
For though such action may be late, 

And stumbling blocks lie in the way, 
You yet can save by diplomacy 
What will be lost in bureaucracy." 

XLVIII 

Hot flushed an angry autocrat, 

As roared: " I WANT NO MORE OF THAT! 

Go hence, and never let me see 

Your cursed Yankee face again. 
Von Kuehlmann, well for you 'twill be 

To keep the company of men; 
And do not trust to one like her 
Until she does your judgment blur." 



Canto iflfu * 

Scene — Laon. 
AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 

THE ARGUMENT 

Our lives, and all the human race, 
Are swayed by commonplace; 
By little things we never heed — 
A thoughtless act or deed. 

A trifling hitch in work of plans 
Has erstwhile broken bans; 
And swung young life into a grove 
From which it could not move. 

The breaking of a slender wire 
Oft couses shock and fire. 
Though innocent the thing may look, 
It's safer left than took. 

Then closely scan the commonplace, 
The things we ever face, 
For we know not what one may prove 
The plane on which we move. 



95 



OALIN 

I 

From out of the West an houri has come, 
Fairer than ever I dreamed there was one. 
Owning to conquest by Bernard, the prince, 
Which even to think of makes my heart wince. 
Thus have beauty and beast prepared to mate, 
And sad it is that she should have such fate; 
For brave and honest is this one so fair, 
Yet direct aid to give, I do not dare. 

II 

You know of the sensual curse and bane, 
Which since childhood on Prince Malchow has lain 
Of orgies wild that have made a name feared, 
Which to our fathers was greatly endeared. 
You know that wrecking a pure woman's soul, 
Has been for a long time this Demon's goal; 
And his brute courage is the only thing, 
That has saved him from a court-martialing. 

Ill 

With these things in mind, and others of kind, 
Please scan your wits, with the view there to find 
The means by which you can this maiden save 
From a fate more abhorred than is the grave. 
When you meet her, you will know I've told true, 
And, my dear Countess, I have faith in you; 
Faith that you will do what none other can, 
Save Oalin from this brute of a man. 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 

IV 

Prince Bernard has for an absent leave asked, 
While the maid's coming is carefully masked; 
And will arrange so that she reaches camp, 
After his highness has begun to tramp. 
This, I hope, will enable you to see 
A way in which you may of some aid be. 
The favor asked, because of friendship long, 
And your own self pledge to ever fight wrong." 



Again and again did her grace of Olm 

Reread this letter, while in camp at Laon; 

Which was, from the foreign office received. 

Yet, though her heart for the strange maiden grieved, 

She very well knew that naught could be done 

Which would of real aid be to the fair one. 

For of all the unreasoning objects, 

A girl's romance the cake really takes. 

VI 

But like Von Kuehlmann's, her womanly heart 
Wild throbbed, and she could not prevent a start; 
When — lovelight in her eye and cheek aflame — 
Into her presence the young maiden came; 
Begging that she would her chaperon be, 
Until her oft dreamed of Prince she might see. 
Friend, for whom she had crossed the ocean o'er, 
Hoping there was not need for parting more. 

97 



OALIN 

VII 

Almost as soon as the promise was made, 
That to her guest she would give her best aid; 
An orderly came from Ludendorf's tent, 
Bearing a letter the Emperor sent, 
Which bade that she a different course take, 
And charged her to see that there was no break 
In the nuptial arrangements made long since, 
By the fair damsel and Bernard the prince. 

VIII 

The lady well knew before she was through 
With her reading, that the officer's view 
Of the mixed situation and belief, 
Would quickly be in the mind of his chief; 
And in, what to her was an unknown way, 
The maid was a pawn, and the Kaiser's play. 
Nor could she imagine the reason real 
Which made Von Kuehlmann an interest feel. 

IX 

She was also aware of urgent need 
For promptly giving her lord's letter heed. 
So took but scant time to glance it over, 
E'er passing on to the wide world rover, 
As sweetly exclaimed, " How fortunate, dear, 
That our Emperor has thought of you here; 
And knowing you would to Malchow fare, 
Does urge that I accompany you there. 

98 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 

X 

" It is only an hour since your lover left, 
And of reason he seemed almost bereft; 
While his eyes were bright with moistening dew, 
Because he had never a word from you. 
Nor dreamed he his love was in German land, 
But why he heard not, I don't understand; 
Though know 'twill go hard with him who held news 
Until it gave Bernard a fit of the blues. 

XI 

" Please read to us all, this letter aloud, 
To make sure there is no mystery shroud. 
Then after thought, when your own mind you know, 
Tell me, dear child, if I with you may go; 
Not as a chaperon, but really a friend, 
And may comrade I be, until does end 
This adventure, wherein our monarch plays 
A role, which the fate of our nation sways? " 

XII 

The maid took the letter the Kaiser sent 
And o'er it in thoughtful reverence bent; 
Wondering how the head of the nation 
Came to remember one in her station. 
Then back to the world her thoughts flew again, 
And anxious to reach her prince among men, 
Made answer to the Lady Olm's request, 
Before was considered the monarch's behest. 

99 



OALIN 
XIII 

If need I have to follow his highness, 

Receive my heartfelt thanks for your kindness. 

Wish and decision are already made, 

And should have asked you had not been afraid 

Of trespass on time, which is better used. 

But now, I shall hope to not be refused. 

Our Emperor's letter I will now read, 

And pledge his wishes to carefully heed." 

XIV 

William, to her grace of Olm, sends greeting, 
And though time is long since our last meeting, 
Feels certain here is loyalty undimmed, 
Nor is by party strife and faction whimmed. 
So, confident, I ask of you a boon, 
And trust in me, till when I hope is soon, 
I may explain to you my reason for 
Seeming interference outside of war. 

XV 

We learn that a brave soldier's promised bride 

Who came from overseas through storm and tide 

To join in Germany her fiance, 

In the way that true love should ever be; 

Is like from him to be separated 

By one who long has Prince Bernard hated; 

And this shyster intends to use as tool 

The Countess Olm, and her good judgment fool. 

100 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 

XVI 

Should this schemer in his mad prank succeed, 
It would deal, in my hour of greatest need, 
A blow the nation with horror might feel, 
And cause it from victory's path to reel; 
At a time when good need there is to hold 
All battle fronts in manner brave and bold. 
Because of this, your ever friend seeks aid 
From one to whom he never vainly prayed. 

XVII 

My earnest wish is that the Yankee lass, [pass 

Whom Richard Von Kuehlmann would have you 

Out of the land without greeting her love, 

Be aided by you, and heaven above, 

To promptly reach him at Malchow Castle 

E'er Dick has time the problem to grapple. 

And dear Sophie Olm, my trust is in you 

That this will occur without more ado." 

XVIII 

Greatly surprised, she finished the reading, 
Then said in a tone both gentle and pleading: 
Why should Herr Von Kuehlmann seek hurt to one 
Who has never to him nor his harm done? 
And what possible gain can he expect 
By taking this feud to a home direct? 
Surely our Emperor made a mistake, 
In endeavor to heal where is no break." 

101 



OAUN 

XIX 

Her hearers both started to make reply, 
But the Countess did her own words deny; 
Wishing to hear what the other would say, 
And her wits needing some moments delay. 
For well she knew that in a ticklish place 
Was one famous lady, who now must face 
The displeasure of a strong element, 
In what manner acted, or which way went. 

XX 

Hoity-toity, but wouldn't that get your goat? 

How easy our Kaiser can change his coat. 

That is the very first time in his life 

He has spoken of, as fit to have wife, 

The ruffiianly low down Prince of Malchow, 

And he must have cause for doing it now; 

Or else, fraulein, he has it in for you 

And thinks an earthly punishment your due." 

XXI 

Hot flushed the face of the listening maid, 

Followed, as temper waves over it played, 

By scathing words, which would have put to shame 

One less hardened in brutality's game. 

But the grizzled old guardsman only grinned, 

Nor ever dreamed it was him who had sinned, 

And stood ready to make thrust through her heart, 

When silence gave chance to finish his start. 

102 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OEM 

XXII 

" STOP! This attempt to a famous name blur. 
What cause have you to in this wa^ refer 
To one, whom our sovereign asserts 
Is entitled to a brave man's deserts? 
What harm has Prince Bernard ever done you? 
That you should defame like a common shrew. 
Thus reducing yourself to the level 
Of Ogers, who with foul demons revel." 

XXIII 

" You seem to have spunk," the orderly said, 
" But you will need, if Prince Bernard you wed, 
The strength of an ox, the skill of a fox, 
And be able to stand the hardest knocks. 
For the meanest whelp that ever was born 
Will be your master from the wedding morn, 
And it will be welcome pleasure for him 
When your heart turns to a fountain of sin. 

XXIV 

"As for the Kaiser, I know not his game, 
But that he despises Malchow is plain; 
And that he fears you is the likely cause 
For wanting to put in the devil's paws 
One whom if she was a sister of mine, 
I would see in her grave, or 'neath the brine, 
E'er she should be clasped in those dirty arms, 
Unfit to receive a pure maiden's charms." 

103 



OALIN 

XXV 

Not often was the Yankee maiden's soul, 
Subjected to fierce passion's wild control; 
But what would appear a stab in the back 
The most frequent form of coward attack, 
Excitement caused, and drove reason from her, 
With thought confused, and in apparent blur. 
Yet even then, words flung, which bitter stung, 
And with defiance of their pity rung. 

XXVI 

Not another word w r ill I list from you. 

Get away from here, or light will go through 

Your slandering brain, which must^be insane; 

And the pity is that you were not slain 

When a much better man the French did kill; 

Then by now of demons you'd have your fill. 

Is it not too bad that a thing like you, 

With human beings should have aught to do? " 

XXVII 

Her hand made move as though to draw a gun, 
And the guardsman left at a rapid run. 
But when felt that he was out of danger, 
This man you would think to mirth a stranger 
Lay down in the snow 7 and kicked up his heels 
Until it would seem in his head were wheels. 
While the murmured words you will read below, 
Is all of him that fame will ever know : 

104 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 

XXVIII 

The Old Guardsman's Murmurings 

" When a young lady is mad and she has a gun, 
Then it is time for us kids to run; 
But if she only will shoot Prince Malchow, the bum, 
For the rest of us that would be fun. 
Gee whiz! But that would be going some. 

" Pretty hard I had to dig, to make the fire fly, 
But then it was well to mind an eye, 
For when she had enough to make some lassies cry. 
She was full of fight, but not of sigh; 
For she is not that kind of a guy. 

H I hope she will keep out of the wild Prince's class, 
And for this will chant a solemn mass; 
For though a bright little miss and loaded with sass, 
It better would be for this fair lass, 
To be at home on the Yankee grass." 

XXIX 

Her anger gone with the orderly's flight, 
The maid begged the lady to give her light 
On the meaning of the brutal attack, 
And wherein did the brave Prince Bernard lack, 
That a comrade, who long with him had served, 
Should be to such intense ill-feeling nerved 
That he would strive to wreck his home and life 
By driving from him his promised wife. 

105 



OALIN 

XXX 

But the Countess had troubles of her own, 
Which had by her fair guest's coming been sown; 
And could not then see her way through the mist; 
Sq arm circled her, and the soft cheek kissed. 
Saying: " To understand, there's no one can, 
The venomous motives of a mere man. 
So woman must still have faith in her love, 
And seek guidance from the father above." 

XXXI 

The reference drew from the maid a sigh, 

And womanlike, they both indulged in cry; 

Then as neither dared to unveil her mind, 

The only consolation they could find 

Was to closely curl in each others arms — 

As though that would protect from war's alarms — 

And drowning their grief in the warm tears' flow, 

Thus gain strength to withstand the next hard blow. 

XXXII 

When sleep at last the young maiden held fast, 
The older woman with her hands close clasped, 
Watched the fair face, while a motherly care 
Caused her to beware of pitfall and snare, 
Though hoping to take the right course to break 
The bonds, which seemingly held the girl's fate; 
And her soft musings are written in full, 
Well knowing they will at your heartstrings pull. 

106 



AS GUEST OF THE COUNTESS OLM 
XXXIII 

L'Envoy 

It is only another breaking heart, 
Thrown on war misery's ponderous heap; 
On the mass, which forces the world to weep 
Where it forms but an atom-like part. 

It is only another stricken soul, 
That of reaching haven all hope has Ust, 
Since our old world by the struggle is tossed. 
One of the millions who have missed the goal 

But if this mere atom can yet be saved, 
A sparkling jewel it always will prove, 
Cheering and guiding our every move, 
Like a light line on life's helmet engraved. 



10? 



Canto #tx 

Scene — Malchow Castle. 
THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 

THE ARGUMENT 

Fair of form and faultless groomed 
Was the prince this maid adored; 

Xor dreamed she the love ship doomed, 
When he took her heart aboard. 

Foul of thought and faithless too, 

He soon was proved to be; 
Then shrunk a heart that was true, 

A pitiful sight to see. 

Seeking death, she turned away, 
But death comes not so easily; 

Other phase in life must play, 
And fate heeds not entreaty. 

So it is with all of us, 

With man or maid, the same; 
Each, without quibbling or fuss, 

To the end must play life's game. 

109 



0AL1N 



It stands on a sloping hillside, 
Cross-cut by canon deep and wide; 
At the bottom of which there flows 
A stream that never knows repose, 
For it constantly is tumbling 
Great rocks over, causing rumbling 
Always heard in the rooms above, 
Distance dulled, a symbol of love. 

II 

It was built long ages ago, 

When Otho was prince of Malchow. 

An olden time ruler of men, 

Such as now are put in the pen. 

A man whose word was law; whose will 

Each henchman hastened to fulfill; 

Who took what he wanted to use, 

But seldom did power abuse. 

Ill 

It has stood for a thousand years, 
A shelter for love, hope and tears; 
A bar against Germany's foes, 
Withstanding the hardest of blows; 
But in peace a hostel for all 
Who cared to pass its portal tall; 
And in true friendship grasp the hand 
Of the then chief of Malchow land. 

110 



THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 

IV 

On land and sea its fame has spread, 

Of the living, and for the dead; 

While ardent tourist often goes 

Far out of his way to see its groves, 

Its massive towers reaching up 

To the sky, and quaff from the cup 

That Otho made of purest gold, 

From which a drink has ne'er been sold. 



Within the castle is the hall, 

In Germany, the first of all, 

Pictured by men, who warriors were, 

While many fair women are there, 

Each one closely scanning what's done, 

Be it a crime or a prank of fun, 

Where holds the wild Prince Bernard sway 

In ancient Otho's hall today. 

VI 

Tonight a scene of revelry, 

A wild debauch of devilry, 

The kind that none would see who care, 

Is being fiercely played in there. 

For the mad prince, on absent leave 

Came from the front late yester eve; 

Bent he said on having a tear, 

For interfere could no one there. 

ill 



0AL1N 

VII 

With women singing ribald song, 
Men telling brutal stories long, 
Both guzzling wine, as swill the swine, 
And foul flings making all the time. 
This was Bernard's homecoming feast, 
And such a bout was seldom ceased 
Before the dawn of other day, 
When all in drunken stupor lay. 

VIII 

This same night, when the hour was late, 

Came rushing to the castle gate 

A motor car, in which sat two; 

The one all joy, the other blue. 

One hoping now to lover greet, 

The other knew what meant the meet. 

Each one too busy with her care 

To realize what others bear. 

IX 

Long as dared on schedule slated, 
Sophie Olm had hesitated; 
But must the monarch's order heed, 
Even though murder seemed the deed; 
And feeling now, too mean to speak, 
As though with blood her fingers wreak, 
She could not think of ought to say, 
As closed the ride o'er dreary way. 

112 



THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 



To Von Kuehlmann, she first had phoned, 
And he, though luck had strong bemoaned, 
Well knew they must not orders break, 
Plain saw the course that she must take; 
And though he almost choked wiien said, 
Told her to prompt proceed ahead, 
For waiting would not help them out, 
And might more trouble bring about. 

XI 

She then had called a long time friend 
Whose steady truth would never bend, 
And in employ of Bernard w T as. 
Then earnest begged of him, because 
Of valued friendship 'twixt the two, 
He would, whatever man might do, 
To aid the maid while at Malchow, 
From whence she soon would wish to go. 

XII 

Of this phoning, the maid knew not, 
But did quite often wonder what 
Kept her companion so reserved, 
And why she seemed almost unnerved. 
When parting at the castle gate, 
She mumbled words, " It is now late, 
And long the road o'er which must hie, 
So now, my dear, will say good-bye." 

113 



OALIN 
XIII 

The motor car passed swift away, 
And in the wind she could not stay, 
So stepped within the portal old, 
With beating heart, but .manner bold. 
For now was ringing in her ear 
Something that made it very clear 
The Lady Olm did greatly dread 
Him, who Oalin came to wed. 

XIV 

Was it for her, she wondered then, 
Or did she love this best of men; 
Then cast such thoughts into the wind 
To even think, she knew had sinned. 
With the assurance, all was well, 
She firmly rang the portal bell; 
And murmured, " More we never part." 
While fluttered in its cell, her heart. 

XV 

Quick swung the great door open wide, 
Who e'er you are, come now inside, 
For it is bitter cold tonight." 
Then as the maid stepped in the light, 
The hard voice changed, and in surprise 
A man from chair did sudden rise; 
And sharply scanning the girl o'er, 
To first invite he added more: 

114 



THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 

XVI 

Hurry, chippie, out of the storm, 
You sure must have a spirit warm, 
Or closely want to be cuddled 
By one who now is well fuddled. 
For the boss, with women and rum, 
Is having a cart-load of fun; 
And soon will be in proper form 
To forget guests until the morn." 

XVII 

When gained import of brutal words, 
Instinctively the maid turned towards 
The door, she had but then come through 
Which now to unseen action due, 
Was, while in happiness she dozed, 
Silent, as though by spirit, closed. 
Spirit, who knew she would have flown 
Into the night, cold and unknown. 

XVIII 

The gatekeeper was quick to see 
The shrinking from his rabildry; 
The flashing eye and burning cheek 
On face which had before been meek. 
Then knowing who and why was there, 
To words forgotten gave a care; 
And cringing like a fawning cur, 
In serville manner addressed her: 

lis 



OALIN 

XIX 

I did not dream, Oalin fair, 
Would wander far in this chill air; 
So never thinking one would come, 
Save a chippie or other bum, 
Have made a bad mistake, I know; 
But if forgive me, and not blow, 
Then ever will I be your friend, 
With hope, in time, to matters mend." 

XX 

His manner filled her soul with dread — 
'Twas manner more than what was said. 
But cornered was, as now she knew, 
And must appear to take him true. 
So tried her best to mind compose, 
Nor what he said did much oppose; 
And spoke in earnest even tone, 
As though she mistress was of home. 

XXI 

Be calm, 'tis little that I know, 
And you'll find me no hand to blow; 
For only where 'twill matters mend 
Will your mistress' tongue'unbend. 
So to Prince Bernard please take me, 
Then I to you will thankful be; 
And burying with memories dead, 
We will forget what first was said." 

ue 



THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 

XXII 

She saw when speaking, fear leave him, 
While conscious was, though it was dim, 
That he was chuckling o'er her plight, 
Had took good care to block her flight; 
And that his crafty, cruel eyes 
Were such as told of traitor spies. 
Then quick assuming air of grace, 
Though all the while a sneer on face : 

XXIII 

" There is not need that I should lead 
To where our lord is drinking mead, 
For if you pass along the hall, 
Good chance you'll have to see it all; 
And after viewing escapade, 
You will, perhaps, just call a maid; 
Who to a room your steps will guide, 
Where for tonight you'd better bide. 

XXIV 

" With Bernard now is an old flame 
Who thinks he should give her his name. 
They both are on a wild carouse, 
And it is possible this house 
Would prove too small to hold you two, 
While scolding match would hardly do 
Between two maids so sweet and fair, 
For it might end in tearing hair." 

117 



OALIN 

XXV 

She could not longer quiet stay, 

To hear what more the brute would say; 

So hurried past him, and a girl 

Whose head was in a dizzy whirl, 

As shown in way she handled feet, 

Which threatened oft her head to meet, 

And totter of the mug of beer 

Which she had brought the man to cheer. 

XXVI 

She had kept up with dizzy head, 
And doubtless heard what last was said; 
But only looked with vacant stare 
When walked past her the maid so fair, 
Whose startled horror and amaze 
Amounted to almost a craze. 
So anxious was she to go where 
Would free her from this wild nightmare. 

XXVII 

A few steps more there stood a form, 
Giant, grotesque, hunchbacked, forlorn, 
Which she did not believe at first 
Could be a man, and hardly durst 
To pass, when startled, saw it move, 
Though this, that it had life would prove. 
Yet more surprised when stepped aside 
And courteous lift of hat was tried. 

118 



THE END OF A LOVE DREAM 

XXVIII 

With tear stained cheek and swimming eye 
She, scarcely civil, passed him by, 
And hurried toward an open door 
From beyond which there came a roar, 
And shout of revelry that night, 
One might mistake for stubborn fight; 
But stopped before she might pass through, 
To take, of that great hall, a view. 

XXIX 

An hundred guests were gathered there 
To drink their fill and test the fare; 
And as a sample of the storm, 
Was a woman of Venus form, 
With her skirt torn and open waist, 
Who wildly had a stalwart chased 
Till cornered was, and then had thrown 
O'er him a sauce, which made him groan. 

XXX 

Such pranks the maid gave scanty glance, 
But now her eye did light by chance 
On scene that interested more. 
Only a few feet from the door 
Sat her Prince Bernard in a chair, 
A pudgy hand tight twined in hair, 
While cross his lap a woman lay, 
In a sensuous, bawdy way. 

119 



. OALIN 

XXXI 

The light had gone from out the earth 
And where love was, was desert dearth; 
While now she understood the score 
Of brutal speeches, which before 
Could but consider an attack 
With the intent of name to black. 
O God! Why have I lived to learn 
THAT LOVE TO MOCKERY CAN TURN? 



120 



(&<xnta §>mtn 

Scene — Malchow Castle. 

MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

THE ARGUMENT 

The horror that a maiden feels 

When learns the one to whom she yields 

The love, which is the charm of life, 

Is but a dastard, foul and false, 
To whom she never can be wife, 

Nor even meet in friendly walks, 
Only is equaled by the dread 
Of a spirit, when, its body dead, 
'Tis speeding to the pearly gate, 
Wondering what in store has fate. 

Gladness caused by a ray of hope, 
Which in a broken heart is woke, 
When chance there seems, however small, 

To seek again for the one love. 
To force the lock, the door, the wall, 

And see once more light from above, 
Is only equaled by the joy 
Of frightened soul in Charon's buoy, 
When gleam of light, though very far, 
Shows gate to paradise ajar. 

121 



, OALIN 

I 

She turned away from that foul scene 
And shattered was her sweet love dream. 
She turned away to find a place 

Where she at once might die; 
But met the hunchback, on whose face 

Sympathy's light did lie. 
Then life's rebound came full and strong, 
While begged of him redress for wrong. 

II 

" In far land your lord wooed me; 
Promised my true love to ever be, 
And I came the ocean over — 

A woman undefiled; 
But instead of finding lover, 

Found one debauched and wild, 
To whom to go, and as love greet, 
Would be far worse than death to meet. 

Ill 

" If from this castle you will guide, 
Then will I bless, whate'er betide; 
And glad divide the little store 

Of gold there is in belt; 
Though well I know you would gain more, 

If blow on head you dealt. 
Which fain would be a kinder deed 
Than tell me, ' To him I must heed.' " 

122 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

IV 

The strange man listened while she spoke, 
And for a time no silence broke; 
But watching maid could plainly see 

His study of her words. 
So with the hope she might be free, 

Her thoughts, like flitting birds, 
Went back across the ocean wide 
To where she would her footsteps guide. 

V 

Then anger came, and self did blame 
For senseless coming o'er the main; 
And flaunting of a lover true 

For sake of titled blade; 
While now full well the maiden knew 

What grave mistake had made. 
But quick from dreamland came once more 
When spoke the man she stood before. 

VI 

" Not often would I heed a maid 
Enthralled by arts of roister blade, 
And listen to her tale of woe; 
But of this snarl I something know. 
Have heard about one winsome prude 
And of her love for this wild, rude, 
Degenerate scion of a line 
Famed in romance of bygone time. 

1°3 



0AL1N 

VII 

' Did also hear the brutal boast 
Of how her clean thoughts would be roast; 
And how her spirit must be broke — 
Foul threats made by a drunken bloke. 
Then watched for coming of the girl 
And sorrowed for the pledge to churl; 
When that I saw her face was sweet 
And was in form and manner neat. 

VIII 

' When plain, the horror in your face, 
And saw the red blood leave it place, 
I phoned her grace, the Countess Olm 
Who made reply, ' You must out from 
That place remove the maid at once. 
Fearful it is among those drunks. 
So do not stop to count the cost, 
Nor flinch, if coward blood be lost.' 

IX 

' But when the noble lady learned 
The guard knew you, and had lock turned, 
She for a time was pretty blue, 
Though after thought her voice rung true. 

1 This maiden has the Yankee nerve, 
Nor will she from grave danger swerve, 
So pass her through the underground 
And at its end I will be found.' 

121 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

X 

' When you came in at castle gate, 
The guard, who had been coached of late, 
Saw that again 'twas fastened well, 
Then would the news to his lord tell. 
But one with foaming mug of beer 
Held to his hand, while called him dear, 
And told of bliss that he would miss 
If failed to claim a promised kiss. 

XI 

' Now, fairest maid of Yankee race, 
If you can face a ticklish place — 
In other words, if you have sand — 
And in a pinch are not unmanned, 
I'll promptly get you out of here 
When with the road to Berlin clear, 
You will in auto soon speed on 
As comrade of the Countess Olm. 

XII 

' But remember, for 'tis a cinch, 
If you, when in apparent pinch, 
Are like to shrink and then falter, 
You had better wear the halter 
Which the wild prince would place on you 
Forget that you were ever true ■ — 
Then fill yourself with sparkling wine 
And have in life a high old time." 

125 



OALIN 

XIII 

To that foul man I will not yield, 
Nor over me can influence wield, 
And you will find that I have sand, 

Or, as she called it, nerve 
To follow over sea or land 

When purpose it will serve. 
So lead, and I will keep with you 
Till fresh air breathe and see the blue.' 

XIV 

Tut, tut, my lass, you go too fast 
And have a wrong impression cast 
Of many things which needs be done. 
So from the mass, first learn this one: 
In this matter I cannot lead, 
And you will need give careful heed 
To what I say, or else you may 
Have trouble finding proper way." 

XV 

Lesson one has been fully conned 
And for the rest, you have my bond 
That I will close attention give 

With the fond hope to win 
The right on earth to longer live 

Without recourse to sin. 
Now please proceed with number two, 
So I may know just what to do." 

126 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

XVI 

For the first time the big man smiled, 
The sight of which her fears beguiled; 
And with light step she followed him 

Through long and narrow halls, 
To room where they were soon shut in, 

And knew at sight these walls 
Would yield no sound to outside men 
Who might be searching for her then. 

XVII 

" I heard alarm before we moved, 
Also signal, which to me proved 
The guard had reached his lord at last; 
And now, fair maid, we must talk fast. 
Put on this bearskin coat with hood, 
Fur mits, with overs warm and good, 
For you must stand in winter blast 
And hang to guide-ropes firm and fast." 

XVIII 

As spoke, he handed wraps to her 

And scarcely donned the warm things were 

When he flung wide a well masked door 

That led through castle wall, 
While the iced air, which in did pour 

Caused fear on them to fall; 
And each one wondered if the maid 
Could stand such cold if long delayed. 

127 



OALIN 

XIX 

Now, wait a little for me here 
While I go see if coast be clear, 
And fix the lines so they will run, 
Then will the jump be only fun. 
Though it is full two hundred feet 
Down to the path where you will meet 
The one on whom you must depend 
For guidance, till your fortunes mend." 

XX 

She watched him squeeze his mighty hulk 
Through space not meant to pass such bulk 
Then climb an upward curving plank, 

Scarce more than a hand's width; 
Which did a high wall circling flank, 

While seemed below a depth. 
On this slight walk no one could stay 
Lest clung to taut rope marking way. 

XXI 

While he was gone - — ten minutes time — 
The maid well tied with dangling twine 
Both wools and furs about her form, 
For now well knew she must 
Keep her every portion warm, 

And naught to luck could trust; 
For old Jack frost was on a spree 
That winter's night in Germany. 

128 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

XXII 

Now back he came, and backwards came, 
For could not downward face that lane, 
And when within the room once more 

Did well instruct the maid 
About the road she must pass o'er. 

Urged heed of what was said; 
For when that incline up you start, 
We two will then forever part." 

XXIII 

Twice over lesson they had gone 

And learned it was, with nothing wrong; 

When the call bell was sharply rung. 

He pushed the maid outside, 
His folding bed wide open flung, 

And as to door did stride; 
Distinctly said in careless way, 
The peep is down, see what you may." 

XXIV 

Surprised to hear him speak the words 
The fleeing maid at once turned towards; 
When met on level with her eyes 

A ray of streaming light; 
Increased when with her finger pries 

To peep, round, clear and bright; 
And from where stood could see and hear 
Without betraying she was near. 

129 



OALIN 

XXV 

As though from slumber just aroused, 
And yawning, till he need be soused 
In water chill to wake his wits, 

He answered to the call. 
Threw open door and prince admits. 

Then was she glad the wall 
Protected her from an embrace 
By this disgrace to human race. 

XXVI 

Not in straight lines the drunkard walked; 
Thick guttural his words w r hen talked; 
But roving eye did quickly spy 

Each aspect of the room; 
And she who watched knew thought did lie, 

Beneath strong liquor's fume, 
That hunchback henchman might know more 
Than would appear, the first glance o'er. 

XXVII 

Full minute scanned with searching gaze 
Before, in anger and amaze, 
Prince Bernard fell to cursing him, 

Who would the maiden help. 
Though only answered with a grin, 

The man he called a whelp ; 
But to the threat that he would shoot, 
Gave prompt reply with heavy boot. 

130 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

XXVIII 

The drunkard sprawled upon the floor, 
And then, the hunchback bending o'er 
Did requisition gun and knife, 
And smiling helped him up; 
Saying, when saw an end to strife: 
" You have deep drained the cup 
Till scarce in proper frame of mind 
To list while I a tale unwind." 

XXIX 

You know you lie when say that I am drunk, 

Such talk is but the vilest kind of bunk. 

But if you quickly tell me how to find 

The girl — you played off sleepy just to blind 

Me into thinking that you did not know 

Her whereabouts — I will for once forego 

The punishment — which really ought be made 

In gratitude for catching of the jade." 

XXX 

This maid of yours, my long time chief, 

I cannot help you find,, though thief 

My truthful lips may so describe 

That you may know who stole your bride. 

But tell me first, why she did flee 

In wildly weeping dread of thee? 

And who this wondrous beauty is? 

A man might think an angel his." 

131 



OALIN 

XXXI 

This one is but a prudish Yankee jade 
That's title blind, but whom no bribe nor blade 
Can make to yield her fresh young girlhood charm; 
Unless, what would in her eyes cure the harm, 
A mandate from the priest that she caress 
One person named, and bond of union bless. 
Accompanied by pledge that all through life 
The man would seek no other, save his wife." 

XXXII 

Then can you not so pledge, my chief? 
And is it not your firm belief 
That maid so fair, and sweet, and PURE, 
Is worth a love that can endure? 
Have you not sown enough wild oats 
And known enough of drunken bloats 
To see that there is better way, 
And love may bring a fairer day? " 

XXXIII 

The wily prince had spoken fair 
While wore his face such humble air 
That serving man was off his guard, 

Nor did the watcher dream 
Until came sudden blow, and hard; 

His face was but a screen 
To cover up a base intent, 
And he was on foul murder bent. 

132 



MURDER OP THE HUNCHBACK 

XXXIV 

Caught on the jaw, a knockout place, 
Half turned away the giant's face; 
And stunned, he tottered to his knees. 

Then helpless moment came, 
While horrified the maiden sees 

The villain strike again; 
This time with dagger quickly grasped 
From hand no longer holding fast. 

XXXV 

The knife deep buried in his heart 
Brought instant action on the part 
Of basely murdered serving man; 

Who one fierce blow returned 
E'er sank to floor in deathly calm. 

Now fierce the red blood burned 
In her who saw the foul deed done, 
And meant that vengeance would quick come. 

XXXVI 

Her own good gun at once did seek, 
And muzzle thrust against the peek 
With firm intent there should be sent 

A messenger of death, 
Avenging what could not prevent. 

Then gasped and caught her breath, 
For as the act shut out the light 
It left no chance to aim aright. 

133 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Nor could she try a random shot, 
For peekhole in the door was not 
More than one-half as far across 

As was the bore of gun : 
And now for action at a loss, 

Saw death had come to one. 
Then shuddered when was forced to list 
To brutal language fiercely hissed. 

XXXVIII 

Plain view of the distorted face 
Remembrance brought of other place 
Beside the distant Opal Sea, 

When a strange choice she made 
'Twixt one as true as love could be 

And demon, titled blade. 
What influence could this man wield 
To force Yokel his love to yield. 

XXXIX 

Naught could she gain by staying there, 
So fled along the plank-like stair; 
And when around the curving wall, 

Beyond a doorway view, 
Used her keen knife on hand-rope small, 

And let that passed slip through 
The holding brackets, but tied fast 
In front what firmly she must grasp. 

134 



MURDER OF THE HUNCHBACK 

XL 

With this bridge burned, another fare 
Brought her to platform one yard square 
In front of recess in the wall, 

Wherein the maid did find 
Light and warmth from a window small, 

Which through the iron lined 
In end, w 7 as the opening to 
A room of which it gave full view. 

XLI 

A table, chair and bed was there. 

Electric light made brilliant glare, 

And register, from which heat steamed. 

But more than all, a face 
With great wondering eyes that gleamed 

Like naught of human race; 
From on a level with her feet 
Was upward turned, her gaze to meet. 

XLII 

The face was of a man unkempt, 
Who, standing on the floor unbent, 
Brought him below her just that much; 

And that he was surprised 
Plain showed in manner of the touch 

He made, as though surmised 
It might be but a vision seen 
By blurring eyes, or in a dream. 

135 



OALIN 

XLIII 

The longer looked the more puzzled 
Seemed the stranger, till was fuzzled. 
When gave a shout, a yell, a SCREECH, 

In one wild roar combined, 
Which made Oalin hasty reach 

And strive to handrail find ; 
For darkness came, and added fright, 
As the strange man turned off the light. 



136 



Canto lEfgljt 

Scene — Malchow Castle. 

THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

THE ARGUMENT 

To a certainty many never may know 

The name of him who from his living tomb 

Claims our sympathy; but the warm tears flow 
When, pausing, we think of his awful doom. 

Ever and anon ghast tragedies are, 

Of which the pulsing world knows naught about; 
And that we do not, is better by far, 

Than over hilltops these horrors to shout. 

But should your life-lines be tangled and crossed 
With those of a human in dire distress, 

One who in the depths of despair is lost 

Stand firm for the right, and take nothing less. 



137 



OALIN 

I 

" Can it be that an angel came to me? 

So neat, so sweet and with the fairest face. 
If turned on light I wonder would she be 

Still standing there in old bear hunchy's place? 
Maybe it would not do to try again 

To bring this bit of sunlight into view; 
For never will I see another wren 

With eyes of such a wondrous dreamy hue. 

II 

' Had I met such a lithesome winsome lass 

In the halcyon days when I was young — 
Oh pshaw! But then it might have come to pass 

That honest love would have the darling won. 
And then? If I had married long ago 

And settled in a cozy little home, 
Fame I might not have known, but could now go 

Wherever a fancy led me to roam. 

Ill 

' Instead, I here will rot, alone, unknown; 

Nor in the great world-circling English land 
Is there one who will sense my dying groan, 

Or reach the old time lard a helping hand. 
He foully lies who says that I am mad, 

And death deserve in such an awful way. 
'TIS FALSE AS HELL, the cry: ' The world is glad 

That I in this foul place must ever stay.' " 

138 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

IV 

The maid in darkness standing still 
Listened to that which caused a thrill; 
And through every fiber went 
A flutter by excitement sent. 
For all the time in German land 
Had longed to grasp a Yankee hand, 
And the next thing in line of choice 
Was wish to hear an English voice. 

V 

But came with charm of native tongue, 

A startling thought that wildly rung 

In mind already overwrought; 

And would not down, though stoutly fought. 

There was an accent in the tone 

Of something real, with bounds unknown; 

A subtile waver of the brain 

Which clearly showed the man insane. 

VI 

On this high perch she could not stay, 
Good need there was to haste away; 
But more would surely like to know 
Of this strange man before must go. 
So waiting not for longer speech, 
She lightly spoke, in hopes to teach 
Him that she was a person real 
Who fcr his woes did sorrow feel, 

inn 



OALIN 

VII 

Please, stranger friends, turn on the light 
So we can judge each other right; 
For would, before I haste away, 

Learn who and why art here. 
Then possibly will come a day 

When I can make less drear 
The time you spend in this dull place 
And be of aid when troubles face." 

VIII 

I thought the maid would vanish in the air, 

Like my fleeting fancies always do; 
But she right well can talk, my angel fair, 

And in the ne'er forgotten English, too. 
So once again will turn the light on her, 

And watchful, waiting, see what comes of it. 
Whoa! Steady now! How the flash does things blur. 

Whew ! Like Poe's quaint raven, she is there yet." 

IX 

Yes, I am here, but soon must go, 
So tell me all would wish me know ; 
And the things you would have me do, 

When I am in Berlin. 
Or the message you would send through 

To loved ones who are in 
The merry land where you were born 
And where did spend life's early morn." 

HO 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

X 

The maid had stepped as close as could 
To where the wild-eyed madman stood; 
And did not dream, what should foreseen, 
That he would try to grasp the queen, 
Or angel maid of whom he spoke, 
Not sure as yet but she was smoke; 
Or else a phantom of the mind, 
And not like aught of human kind. 

XI 

Came sudden thrust of bony hand 
Which gripped her foot like iron band; 
And a full minute held her tight, 
Despite her best attempt at fight. 
Then as abruptly loosed his hold, 
When contact with her person told 
That she was surely flesh and blood. 
Now, of sane words there came a flood. 

XII 

Will you, fair lady, kindly pardon me 

For being very rough and more than rude? 
In truth, I never did expect to see 

Either man or maid of real flesh intrude 
On the privacy of this hidden room; 

Which you will certain learn this day 
Is but a ghastly, grewsome living tomb, 

Where this poor helpless hulk must ever stay 

HI 



OALIN 

XIII 

The merry sunlit land where I was born 

Will see this man of sorrow nevermore; 
And the well remembered paths I trod each morn 

Lie full a million leagues beyond this door, 
Which for the maniac will not again 

Be opened till the day, so far away, 
When for last judgment comes the call to man, 

Which gives time for repentance, and to pray. 

XIV 

If forgiven is my rudeness, please tell 

Me stranger lady, of your own fair self. 
Tell me of the big wide world we both love well; 

And from the vastness of your knowledge's wealth 
Impart to me how goes the war, or went, 

Since that wild ill-omened morn in June [spent, 
When from the sea was pulled, my strength all 

And in a too soon ending helpless swoon. 

XV 

But first of all, please tell me how you came 

To find this carefully hidden room? 
For past it reaches neither path nor lane, 

And never for an instant thought that soon 
A human would penetrate the mystery 

So closely mantling this ghastly place; 
Nor ever would the man who writes history 

A true description of its horrors face." 

H2 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

XVI 

The maid was careful now to be 
Where the madman could only see; 
For the strong grip did quickly teach 
The need to keep beyond his reach. 
But glad to see him nearer sane, 
She did not much his action blame; 
And as now showed a calmer eye 
Hastened to make a kind reply. 

XVII 

How I got here, I scarcely know, 
But came the way was bid to go 
By the huge hunchback serving man 

Who works for Prince Bernard; 
And will go hence as best I can, 

Though way be rough and hard. 
But if you long have been confined 
Perhaps some war news can unwind." 

XVIII 

If we count time by means of sighs and tears, 

And all the times I've raced around these walls; 
I here have been a full ten thousand years 

Since forced to hear my comrades' sad death calls. 
But you, fair maid, can better tell how long 

That in this fearful prison I have been; 
For surely you have read in prose or song 

How a whole ship's crew was lost, and when? " 

148 



OALIN 

XIX 

" What need is there to puzzle long 
Over what is past and gone. 
'Tis near two years since your ship sunk. 

The world believes you dead, 
And will consider only bunk 

A message from you, read. 
But when convinced you are alive, 
Then will the world to save you strive. 

XX 

" The war is raging fiercely now; 
To take Paree is German vow. 
Russia is broken, Servia crushed, 

And field outlook is drear; 
But help from overseas is rushed, 

Which brings the time quite near 
When Yankee lads will meet the Hun 
And then the war will soon be won." 

XXI 

" From overseas? Dost mean, fair maid, to say 

The Yankee pacifists are fighting too? 
It can not be. You with my fond hopes play. 

Yet, from your manner it really should be true. 
Woodrow Wilson, now standing in the lists, 

Prepared to deal the Hun a knockout blow? 
Fate has not many stranger turns than this; 

And it does not seem, that it can be so." 

144 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

XXII 

What I tell you is surely true, 
The Yankees could not longer view 
The horrid trampling in the dust 

Of rights which they hold dear. 
Of rapine, murder, wanton lust, 

Which makes a desert drear, 
Of all that's fairest in the world, 
And so they have their flag unfurled. 

XXIII 

With sabers drawn and muscles strong 
They're marshaling in mighty throng 
To quickly crush the Teuton host, 

And bring the world repose : 
Which is the things now needed most, 

As everybody knows; 
Before mankind takes up again 
The task of making demons, men." 

XXIV 

To her words the stranger gave close heed, 

And tried to fix in mind their meaning clear. 
Even this efflort showed how great his need, 

And that his brain was but a thing to fear; 
Which now could only dwell on his sad plight, 

Smiling as would the happiest of men 
While shrieked: " How like a Trojan I would fight 

If 'twould get me out from this devil's den! " 

145 



OALIN 

XXV 

Silent and sad the maid looked on, 

While the maniac, pale and wan, 

Like a demon wildly danced 

And beat his head against what chanced 

To be in line of his mad rush. 

Now from her eyes the teardrops brush 

While strives to think what she may say, 

His fearful fancies to allay. 

XXVI 

At length he tired in limb and brain, 
And when exhausted, seemed quite sane. 
The maid now begged that he would tell 
Of the ill fortune which befell — 
Asking it as a special boon — 
That placed him in a living tomb; 
And promised aid to get him free 
If aid may rightly give to thee." 

XXVII 

At this, a smile played o'er his face, 

As sought for rest in other place; 

While steady scrutinized her o'er 

To note what had not scanned before. 

When spoke, his words showed naught insane, 

But clear, distinct and forceful came, 

Like speech of one used to command 

As leader of a sturdy band. 

146 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

XXVIII 

Before I answer, tell me, lady fair, 

The exact markings on the shoe you wear: 

Where it was made and the part it has played 

In forming battle lines, as now arrayed? 

I'd like to know to what land it will go? 

And if you don't mind the telling me so, [true 

What magnet brought you with a face that looks 

To this vile den of the bawd and the shrew? " 

XXIX 

Yankee made it was, and will there return, 
Unless my plans and hopes do early burn. 
It never has played part, except protect 
A foot which otherwise had been mud flecked, 
And sorely torn on many rock strewn w r ays. 
While romance was the magnet that ever plays 
Fool with a maid's judgment. But I must go, 
So quickly tell what you would have me know." 

XXX 

Now thinks me, I do fully understand. 

It is some deviltry that Bernard planned; 

And you are not the first by any means 

Whom he has introduced to such vile scenes 

As only this den of infamy knows; 

Where coming pure, means otherwise when goes. 

But though, fair one,you have been torn and bruised, 

Plain shows your face, you are to such unused. 

147 



OALIN 

XXXI 

When to man's size had demon Bernard grown, 
From out my camp I had him roughly thrown, 
For that he did abuse a native girl. 
Then did he promise, excuse, beg and curl, 
But when came I to this accursed place, 
This thing, unfit to be of human race, 
Compelled me watch the workers build my tomb, 
While joked and jeered about my awful doom. 

XXXII 

This is my tomb, for never will man find 

Way through these walls of stone, with iron lined. 

Foundation is in an ancient tower laid, 

And in a vault below this floor is said 

To be a ton of dynamite so wired 

That if the wall be broke, it will be fired. 

This room is neatly ceiled with boiler plate 

Of similar dimensions, strength and weight, 

With that which is in locomotive placed, 

And in masonry four feet thick is cased. 

XXXIII 

The only opening for light and air 
Is the slot through which you in horror stare. 
A hole just four inches by twenty- four, 
Which you'll admit is too small for a door. 
The size I know, for oft have measured it, 
And how I've learned to love that tiny bit 
Of the world, the last I shall ever see. 
You do not dream how much it is to me. 

148 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 
XXXIV 

" Now that you know where I must ever be 
Alone, will you, fair stranger, please let me 
Explain another feature of my tomb. 
And lady, I will consider it a boon 
If when you reach the distant Opal Sea 
You will tell the world what I tell to thee. 
XXXV 

"Above this room is a tall tower raised, 
Tipped with a marble shaft, on which is blazed 
Those things we often linger long above, 
The emblems showing an eternal love. 
But after that was done they sponsoned out 
With frame of wood, and sheeted round about, 
Until smooth cased was the whole tower's top; 
But how its final finish I know not; 
For they pushed me through an opening small, 
Then tightly closed the wall for good and all. 
One told me, that on it the evil face, 
Hoof, tail and other adornments in place, 
Would be deftly painted, and from that hour 
My living tomb be called the devil's tower. 
XXXVI 

" Be this true or not, the intent is plain, 
That no one shall know the maniac's name; 
His personal deeds, nor family's line, 
Until the ever lengthening hand of time, 
Stretched o'er the ages, shall this iron rust, 
While it turns the wood to mouldering dust. 
Then will the everlasting marble tell 
The secret which it kept so long and well." 

149 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Picturing fate, now drove him wild again, 
When orders gave, as though to host of men 
In fierce combat engaged with stubborn foe, 
So close, 'twas hard to tell which way would go — 
For or against him and his valiant band. 
In wild excitement he high waved his hand 
And even gesture seemed to sway his brain 
For loudly he shouted, " I'M NOT INSANE." 

XXXVIII 

It useless was for the maid to stay, 

So frightened and sadly she turned away, 

And found at end of platform, e'er searched long, 

A rope twice circling roller, fastened strong, 

With the ends dangling in unknown abyss. 

Fearing, should the light fail, that she might miss 

This only hope for freedom, grasped both lines 

And firm her foot in loop on one entwines. 

XXXIX 

On this foot stood, while with hands stoutly clung 
To other line, she from the landing swung; 
And then commenced at once to downward go, 
As did allow the rope through hands slip slow. 
But before her head the floor level reached 
The wild raving maniac frantic screeched : 
Stop! Wait! COME BACKl I would a message send 
That in my native land may matters mend." 

3/50 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

XL 

She stopped with ease, but found that in a pinch 

She could not raise the fraction of an inch, 

And finding futile every effort made 

Knew downward move could not be long delayed; 

And faced him, with only her eyes in view. 

Speak quickly, and I will retell it true, 

If life and liberty are spared, until 

I may repeat the words of my free will." 

XLI 

What thoughts must have been flitting in his mind, 
Well knowing the last glimpse of human kind 
He would in this world see was forehead fair, [hair; 
Those deep blue eyes 'neath wealth of nut brown 
And the w T hole face encased in bearskin cap, 
Part of the coat, which made a forward lap; 
Till from whichever way the wind might blow, 
The fair cheek was shielded from cold and snow. 

XLII 

From her it seemed he could not turn his gaze, 
While effort made to sweep from thought the haze, 
Clouding what doubtless was a brilliant mind; 
Now making a pitiful attempt to find 
Words which would in a fitting way express 
W T hat should be worthy as farewell address. 
And often visions seemed to from him leak 
E'er he could weld them in a form to speak. 

151 



OALIN 
XLIII 

" Say to England, she now must be prepared 
To follow where erstwhile in lead she fared. 
For when was forced to call for aid on ranks 
Of keen Anzacs, Canucks, and sturdy Yanks — 
Who quickly learned that they world powers were, 
Fitted their race to lead in peace or war — 
Then nevermore will the motherland's hand 
Have complete control in the Saxon's land. 

XLIV 

" But after all, 'tis the way of the world, 
And the banners of age have ever been furled 
When youth and strength takes the bit in its teeth. 
Nor is it counted the work of a thief 
For the son to usurp a parent's powers, 
And undo a life's work in a few hours. [her; 

WHAT! HO! IMPS, DEVILS! Don't you dare touch 
Protected only by that bearskin fur." 

XLV 

Startled, she saw the madman fiercely clutch 
Steel that would have withstood a million such. 
Now felt on head a hand, which sternly tried 
To pull the heavy fur-formed cap aside; 
While a voice added consternation too, 
By shrieking in her ear, the words, " Who, WHO? " 
Another unseen hand close clasped her arm, 
While gouhl-like gibberish increased alarm. 

152 



THE MAID AND THE MANIAC 

XLVI 

Unnerved, her grip on rope somewhat relaxed, 
For it is true her spirit was sore taxed; 
As downward went at rate that threatened death. 
Now for a moment lost both head and breath; 
But instinct told that she must tightly grasp 
The line, even though by foul demons clasped. 
So using every ounce of grip she had 
Momentum slacked, though mittens were worn bad. 

XLVII 

A seeming endless sinking followed this, 
While mussing, clawing sprites around her hiss, 
Sending through her heart a numbing chill, 
Foreboding of some quickly coming ill 
Which made her wonder if it were not best 
To set the horrid quavering at rest 
By loosing hold upon the guiding line, 
And for herself to call the end of time. 

XLVIII 

One mittened hand slipped over frayed rope end, 
And as she with the other held, a blend 
Of brightness in the inky darkness came. 
What she had so longed for, but all the same 
It drove reasoning faculty from her, 
With everything in apparent blur. 
Then loosed her hold to take the plunge in space, 
And learned her foot was touching solid place. 

153 



OALIN 

XLIX 

She certain would have fallen had not an arm 
Close circling slender waist shielded from harm. 
Then 'gainst hers was the cheek of Sophie Olm, 
Whose crutched chauffeur a light was flashing on, 
Thus driving upward into darkness dense, 
To the deeply caverned abodes from whence 
They came that winter's night, as demon ghouls, 
More than a dozen great horned staring owls. 



154 



Canto 2Cme 

Scene — Berlin. 
LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

THE ARGUMENT 

A flower in a quag may grow 
So those who see think wondrous fair, 
With fragrance scenting all the air, 
Thus helping free the world from care. 

Thank God that this we know. 

In German land, this woman foe, 
When pain and horror did them strike, 
Succor would give each one alike, 
Thus helping make the world more bright. 

Thank God, that this was so. 

So now in fierce war's afterglow, 
Let's work with all the Spartan's might 
To settle matters just and right, 
And give the world a clearer light. 

Thank God, this may be so. 



155 



OALIN 

I 

In the boudoir of Countess Olm — 

As fine as Berlin had — 
Did quiet rest the maiden from 

The Yankee land, and glad 
She was at thought she might return, 

A whole heart with her take, 
And at each turn her bridges burn. 

This, all for yokel's sake. 

II 

Thrice had she told the dismal tale 

Of those two dreadful hours, 
When in the ancient castle's pale 

She faced life's real horrors: 
And when of them she spoke, shuddered 

At thought of part she played. 
In the death of two men murdered 

So that she might be saved. 

Ill 

Again, to her the Countess came, 

Passed arm gently round her, 
Saying, " My dear, it is a shame, 

And you doubtless wonder 
Why I left you the livelong day 

With your sad thoughts alone, 
While wandered o'er the city gay, 

'Mongst those who love to roam. 

156 



LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

IV 

"An explanation is your due, 

And to make all things clear 
I must begin my story true 

Back many a long year. 
When a child of 'leven was I, 

And Hunchy four years more; 
While he, who you saw rave and cry, 

A scant year less did score. 



'A month we three at Trenholm spent, 

Comrades in busy play. 
My first romance both came and went 

In one bright summer day. 
How long it was e'er the pain ceased, 

I would not care to tell; 
Nor when another the pain eased, 

So I could say 'All's well.' 

VI 

The madman came to me that morn 

With locket here of gold, 
And begged me receive, without scorn, 

A family heirloom old. 
Please don't mention to mother dear 

That I gave it to you, 
For sometimes she gets on her ear 

And makes things pretty blue.' 

157 



OALIN 

VII 

'But though the gold is very old, 

'Tis metal that rings true; 
And never would by me be sold, 

Though freely give it you. 
But the insides are spick and span, 

As you will see at once; 
So please forgive me, if you can, 

For being such a dunce.' " 

VIII 

The lady smiled in dreamy thought 

Of scene long time ago, 
When hope of a great future brought 

To life ambition's glow. 
Then threw the trinket open wide 

And passed it to her guest; 
Which showed a child on either side 

In old time garments dressed. 

IX 

They really were a pretty pair, 

In corkscrew curl neat framed. 
But 'twas the legend inscribed there 

That close attention claimed. 
It called the girl Miss Ducky Dumps — 

Queen of Hearts — and showed that 
Her always friend, this King of Chumps, 

This gave to spite the cat. 

158 



LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

X 

" I was pleased with my head's first whirl 

In the dreamland of bliss; 
And like many an older girl, 

Longed for a sweet love kiss; 
But managed this fact to conceal, 

Or at least hope I did; 
And think that I did not reveal 

Thoughts which were better hid. 

XI 

" He placed the chain around my neck 
And fastened it to stay, 
Then all that day we busy treck 

Around the grounds in play. 
But e'er we parted for the night, 

While for a moment tarried, 
Somewhow 7 a thought in words took flight 
And said, ' When we are married.' 
♦ 

XII 

" He stopped stark still and looked at me, 
While Hushed his proud young face; 
And it was very plain to see 
I fallen was from grace. 
1 Softy, when I would married get, 
The right I will reserve 
To pop the question, and you bet 
I'll dodge girls of your nerve.' 

159 



OALIN 

XIII 

My heart in shattered fragments lay, 

Loud wept and tore my hair. 
From me he scornful walked away, 

High holding head in air; 
And never since then have we met; 

But for remark he made 
He surely did a trouncing get 

When Hunchy on him laid. 

XIV 

Three weeks ago a letter came 

Which told his awful fate; 
How he, entombed, alone, insane, 

Recipient was of hate. 
Then begged me to but furnish tools, 

Of a named kind, the best, 
And then, in spite of system's rules, 

Hunchy would do the rest. 

XV 

He had but time to build the road 

Which you last night came o'er 
Before was added to his load 

Yourself at castle door; 
And if my story ended here 

You might your whole life view 
The cause for murder done, as fear 

And rage, at aid gave you. 

160 



LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

XVI 

" But what old Hunchy did not know 

About this living tomb, 
Was that a tunnel small and low 

Reached inward to the room; 
And by this means a dictaphone, 

Repeating every word 
There said, in manner, sound and tone, 

Another ear had heard. 

XVII 

" 'Twas this that called Prince Bernard home, 

And Hunchy's fate was sealed, 
Before you, helpless and alone, 

Entered that dismal field. 
But though they know of the attempt 

And who was making it, 
They could not fathom the intent, 

Nor manner of the hit. 

XVIII 

" So 'tis with you, for all you said, 

While near the madman stood; 
Has been with care both conned and read, 

And puzzles them right good 
To know how made escape from there, 

Lest airplane real aid gave. 
But still they're searching everywhere 

For trace of hoped-for slave." 

161 



OALIN 

XIX 

Now came her maid into the room 

With word that Prince Malchow, 
With whom was three companions hoon, 

In waiting were below, 
The Countess Olm to interview. 

And would her grace make haste 
For this once, it was certain true, 

They had no time to waste. 

XX 

With the reply, " Send them up here," 

Came twinkle in her eye. 
Short time rely on me, my dear, 

Till chance to tell you why." 
Then touched a spring in great armchair 

In which she oft reclined; 
And an unfold showed secret lair 

'Neath seat and back behind. 

XXI 

The Yankee maid in hidden place, 

The chair closed up again; 
One shoe quick off, and loosed a lace 

Before came in the men. 
Forgive, kind sirs, poor little me 

For being dishabille; 
For all this day I've been at sea, 

And very tired feel. 

162 



LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

XXII 

Do please ignore my lack of dress 

And tell me how that I 
Can be of use, and then unless 

It be what should not try, 
I promptly will an effort make 

To do for you my best. 
Speak frankly, and I'll undertake 

To answer quizzing test." 

XXIII 

It was Von Bornstein who first spoke; 

And he seemed at a loss 
For words, when waiting silence broke, 

Though soon he came across. 
No need is there for formal blend, 

We've cause to hasten on, 
And each one here has met as friend 

With the fair Countess Olm. 

XXIV 

Dear lady, we would like to know 

Your reason for strange move, 
When yester eve, in fierce north blow, 

You did eccentric prove, 
By taking to Prince Bernard's door 

The maid he was to marry; 
Then dumped her where the cold winds roar, 

But did not longer tarry? " 

163 



OALIN 

XXV 

" To Malchow's door I took the maid, 

For William ordered so; 
And the dear lass was not afraid 

To in the castle go. 
But I had phoned a friend of mine 

To learn of chance for bunk, 
Who said, ' You'll face at present time 

Prince Bernard on a drunk.' 

XXVI 

"'Not he alone, but that foul shrew 

Her Grace of Terperstein.' 
A ribald outlook, which is true 

1 did not think it clean. 
Nor could I to the maiden speak, 

For she refused belief 
That he was drunkard vile and weak 

Who'd bring her only grief." 

XXVII 

Prince Bernard's face was black with rage, 

But voice showed trace of fear, 
As bellowed loud, " You name that page, 

Or I will slap your ear. 
If he said what you said he said, 

That I was drunken then, 
He lies, and were much better dead 

Than try to live 'mong men." 

164 



LADY OLM'S EXPLANATION 

XXVIII 

Such bursts of temper, Prince Bernard, 

Most like will undo you; 
But not wanting my ears cuffed hard, 

I will with name come through. 
Conrade of Washke is my friend, 

The hunchbacked giant child. 
O'er phone call him and then will end 

Your mo u things, fierce and wild. 

XXIX 

Gentle you'll be as is in land, 

Within a minute's time, 
If Von Hintze but takes a hand 

And gets him on the line. 
He'll tell to us what hurts you so, 

Explain it nicely, too; 
For of this thing he much does know 

And ever speaks what's true." 

XXX 

Right well it was for Lady Olm 

That strong men with them were; 
Before whom must be outward calm. 

Nor did the ruffian dare 
Even so much as grimace make, 

Or press with questions more, 
But quickly sought excuse to take 

Refuge outside the door. 

165 



OALIN 
XXXI 

The lady smiled, the first that day, 

When she released her guest; 
But knowing well where danger lay, 

Bade that she haste her best 
To an appointed conference 

In foregin office made. 
Nor durst think of the consequence 

If action was delayed. 

XXXII 

" Mind well the secretary's words, 

But your sealed passport keep 
Where, when you see me coming towards, 

Wrapped in this mantle deep, 
You can the envelope exchange 

For one that will but show 
When this fur muff is in your range, 

In manner none will know." 



166 



Canto S^n 

Scene — Berlin. 

THE PARTING WITH VON 
KUELMANN 

THE ARGUMENT 

There comes a time in every life 

When nerve must carry through; 
A turning place in every strife 

Where fortune looks askew. 
This is the time men's souls are tried, 

And ofttimes women's too, 
But those who keep the world astride 

Have no cause to feel blue. 

The time will come when things are rife, 

For dagger thrust at you. 
This brings the test for man or wife 

To show if metal true 
Is there, and in them does abide 

The will to ever do 
That which will stem the ebbing tide 

Till life we bid adieu. 



167 



OALIN 

I 

Von Kuehlmann in his office sat, 

Well knowing spies were near; 
And today could speak no word that 

Prince Bernard might not hear. 
For the ruffian prince was using gold, 

And an influence dread, 
To find the maiden fair and bold, 

Who from his castle fled. 

II 

He worked at desk in outer room 

Where each act plain was seen, 
And only when begged as a boon 

Had gone behind the screen. 
But from the corner of his eye 

He closely watched the play, 
And ofttimes cunning change of spy, 

A dozen times that day. 

Ill 

The last one was Noske himself, 

Head sleuth in Berlin town, 
Who only worked for those of wealth 

That paid without a frown. 
Von Kuehlmann, smiling, beckoned him 

To armchair at his side; 
He being then in just the whim 

To combat storm and tide. 

168 



THE PARTING WITH VON KUEHLMANN 

IV 

Gustave, if you can spare the time, 

I would consult with you; 
But first this mail must get in line, 

For the postman is due. 
It goes beyond the war swept sea, 

To friends among our foes, 
And the carrier must not be 

Delayed by other woes. 

V 

Four hundred letters in this sack, 

On India paper thin, 
Adds but a trifle to the pack 

That he must take with him. 
Hello! What's the meaning of this! 

The wild Prince's bride," he gasped. 
'And she's fully prepared for biz; 

Their honeymoon's quick passed." 

VI 

Herr Noske's was a real surprise 

To see the maid he sought 
Come straight to him without surmise 

Of danger nor distraught. 
Then he at once began the count 

Of marks that he would charge 
For brilliant work, and the amount 

We may be sure was large. 

169 



OALIN 

VII 

"A very great surprise it is, 

Your being here today, 
Nor can I fathom what means this, 

So please inform, I pray, 
How I can be of use to you. 

And feel assured, fair one, 
That what I may in honor do 

Will willingly be done." 

VIII 

"I came the Yankee mail to take 

War's tangled ocean over; 
And must, if do connections make 

With the Count Stry's swift rover, 
Haste me to catch a south bound train, 

That speeds to the Swiss border. 
So would the mail receive, amain, 

With Herr Von Kuehlmann's order." 

IX 

The famed detective never dreamed 

But what the minister 
Was really surprised as seemed. 

Nor thought was meant to blur 
His judgment, this byplay of speech. 

Light words which came as would 
From two artless actors, who each 

Their purport understood. 

170 



THE PARTING WITH VON KUEHLMANN 

X 

For Sophie Olm had done her work 

As go-between that day, 
Nor did she any detail shirk 

Which would make plain the way. 
But of this drill the sleuth knew not, 

Although his men had trailed 
The lady, in each move and spot, 

They had in knowledge failed. 

XI 

So Herr Noske only listened 

When action was his need; 
And his dark eyes brightly glistened 

While rode a dreamland steed; 
Showing a project easy won 

By aid of Bernard's gold; 
And scarcely noted how begun 

Von Kuehlmann's question old. 

XII 

" The mail is ready, lady fair. 

Instructions, there are none. 
Only the wish that when you're there, 

And victory is won, 
Often your thoughts will kindly turn 

To friendships formed while here. 
But I am anxious now to learn 

What caused this change so queer?" 

171 



OALIN 

XIII 

'Twas orders from His Majesty. 

The cause beyond my ken. 
Perhaps 'twould be no travesty 

On justice, nor to men, 
To say it was his fickleness 

That made him action take 
Which puts an end to happiness, 

And heart does almost break. 

XIV 

His order is pre-emptory 

And I can't disobey; 
Though I hope but temporary 

This banishment today. 
But you can better understand 

The order than my words, 
So please read what by his command 

I am now drifting towards." 

XV 

Extended hand a missive held, 

Which the Von quickly grasped; 
And as he read, her hot tears welled, 

While hands were closely clasped. 
The minister no effort made 

To shield from prying glance 
That which supposed the Kaiser said, 

Nor did the sleuth waste chance. 

172 



THE PARTING WITH VON KUEHLMANN 

XVI 

" This greeting do I, William, send 

To the maid Oalin, 
Commanding her at once to mend 

The wrong done by her sin. 
To return forthwith to Boy-Ed, 

Who sent her with the mail. 
At her peril, I now have said, 

If she in this does fail. 

XVII 

" Because she holds a passport from 

Our servant, tried and true, 
No punishment is meted on 

This harlequin and shrew; 
But leave to wed with Malchow bold, 

Though deep in love he is, 
This wanton does not longer hold, 

Nor will she e'er be his. 

XVIII 

" Take back the mail as brought it here, 

Then to a convent go; 
Repent thy sins and pranks so queer, 

Which if you fail, I'll know. 
Then you may live to thankful be 

That merciful I was 
To one who was not true to me, 

Nor to the German cause." 

178 



OALIN 
XIX 

Von Kuehlmann scanned the missive well, 

Then whistled soft and low. 
Some gossip has been free to tell, 

That which he does not know. 
Yet 'tis a time to question not, 

But do our Kaiser's will; 
Till in the future we learn what, 

Or who, brought you this ill." 

XX 

The maid soon left, with passport vised, 

And mail in package neat. 
Each detail had the keen sleuth sized, 

E'er she turned toward the street. 
But when he would have followed close, 

Von Kuehlmann did detain 
For scant five minutes e'er he rose, 

When sought he trail in vain. 

XXI 

All through that night an hundred sleuths 

Searched well in every nook. 
Wandering maids, and even youths, 

Were scanned like page of book. 
But not a trace did Noske find 

Of the fair Yankee maid; 
Nor could he mystery unwind 

Of how the game was played. 

174 



Canto UZltxxtn 

Scene — Berlin. 

THE SPIDER'S WEB IS BROKEN 

THE ARGUMENT 

When a human's happiness depends 
On periods of wild debauchery, 
And such success as falsehood sends; 
Then is slender the support he has. 
Easy shaken by knavish trickery 
And nebulous as a mass of gas. 

The higher is in the scale of life, 

The more sustained by fortunes coquetry, 

The freer seems from expected strife; 

Then comes the hardest crashing down, 

More terrible the silent mockery, 

And ghastlier shows the worldly frown. 



175 



OALIN 

I 

My lords, I do your pardon ask, 
And surely is no pleasant task 
To bring before this council board 

Matters of a private nature; 
That at this time would seem untoward 

Had they not a public feature; 
Which, should we fail to sift and clear, 
May cost the German nation dear. 

II 

When I was in the Yankee's land, 
Before the war, please understand, 
I made acquaintance of a maid, 

So wondrous fair and seeming sweet, 
That yet the likeness does not fade, 

And oft in dreamland do I meet 
This paragon, who turned my head, 
Whom now, 'twere better if was dead. 

Ill 

I doubtless said some foolish things 
Concerning angels and their wings; 
Which this upstart kept in her heart, 

And may long time have brooded over; 
Till deemed it fine to make me smart. 

So with pretense my sins to cover, 
She got it in her silly head 
That I with such canaille would wed. 

176 



THE SPIDER'S WEB IS BROKEN 

IV 

To our chief aid, a yarn oft-told. 
With each telling some new unfold 
Accompanied with loud protests 

Of love for German fatherland, 
Caused him to yield to her behests, 

To give the mail into a hand — 
Shapely and fair, I'll not deny — 
But one who doubtless is a spy. 



O'er seas she brought the wanted mail, 
Then without check, which would avail, 
Did roam through office, camp and hall; 

So fair, so neat to look upon, 
That never dreamed you, one nor all, 

She in each place would draw therefrom 
A mighty mass of secret news 
Close coupled with high German views. 

VI 

Then, when with information gorged, 

And aided by a letter, forged, 

She pulled the wool o'er Dickon's eyes 

And muffed what brain her beauty left. 
Then for a passport loudly cries; 

Nor did her dupe see through the weft, 
But blindly yielded to demand 
And gave it her, almost unscanned. 

177 



OALIN 

VII 

Now, through some unknown pathway goes 
This thing in skirts, with news for foes; 
And not content with observation 

With which to tickle Yankee ears, 
Carries ream of information 

In shape of written hopes and fears. 
Long statements made to distant friends, 
By those in touch with high commands. 

VIII 

Two days have passed since this slick maid, 
Skillful, the foreign office played; 
And though Noske saw her depart, 

Then promptly sent his hounds in trail, 
She has defied them from the start, 

And it now seems that they will fail 
To stop her reaching Yankee land. 
For this Amazon sure has sand. 

IX 

My lords, there sits today with you 
Her grace of Olm, well known and true; 
And Berlin's secret service head; 

Also our foreign minister. 
As keen a band as ever led, 

When seeking what is sinister. 
You know they are no friends of mine, 
But let each answer, line by line." 

178 



THE SPIDER'S WEB IS BROKEN 

X 

Scarce had Prince Bernard ceased to speak, 
E'er the Kaiser, though pale and weak, 
Shaking with rage, as well as age, 

At Von Kuehlmann flung the question: 
" Did I not read as open page 

This pert Yankee you seem struck on? 
Speak, Richard, and tell how you came 
To do that which may cause us shame? 

XI 

' Even defeat may come from this 
Mixing of work with such a biz. 
The huzzy does not know enough 

To make full use of what she saw; 
Though still may peddle lots of stuff 

Which fools will follow as the law. 
But we will no decision make 
Till you your explanations state." 

XII 

The secretary quiet rose; 
Unshaken was his mind's repose. 
Salute unto his master gave, 

Though erect form, no bend nor stoop; 
Showed he was not a cringing slave. 

Stared defiance at angry group, 
Gave to the prince a searching look, 
And plainly saw his nerves were shook. 

179 



OALIN 

XIII 

My sire, at council board, each man 
Has right to hear and closely scan 
The details of a matter brought 

To their attention by yourself. 
Very carefully have I sought 

To learn the status of this elf — 
Who's on Prince Bernard's nerves, I see 
But a harmless maid would seem to be. 

XIV 

Of her standing I only knew 
That Boy-Ed sure thought her true, 
Or he ne'er w T ould have trusted mail 

Of such importance to a girl 
Who must alone o'er oceans sail, 

Endangered now by war's fierce whirl. 
In the crowd, like an atom fused, 
Where judgment ever must be used. 

XV 

It's seldom best to interfere 
With work that is in other sphere, 
For well is known to everyone 

Such action may result in harm. 
Much better leave what has been done, 

Than cause the nation great alarm. 
So did on regular report 
Issue this maid a formal passport. 

180 



THE SPIDER'S WEB IS BROKEN 

XVI 

But other mail this morning came 
From the far land beyond the main. 
In it a letter from Boy-Ed 

Which shows the act in other light 
And when you hear what he has said 

You'll better know the wrong and right. 
So with your leave, I will now read 
That which he sent with utmost speed." 

XVII 

He noted, e'er he ceased to speak 
And while waiting in manner meek, 
Permit to o'erseas letter read, 

That Prince Bernard was ill at ease, 
And thought how often lying screed, 

Defeated purpose of its pleas. 
In public, as in private life, 
Such action is an aid to strife. 

XVIII 

The Chancellor did not long wait 
For the Kaiser his views to state, 
But urged the foreign minister 

The council to forthwith acquaint 
With contents, good or sinister, 

Of the mentioned Boy-Ed complaint; 
And quickly then the war lords heard 
Statement which shook the Prince's word. 

181 



GALIN 

XIX 

" To information. Personal. 
Greeting, with hope that all is well. 
But hasten to send this today 

With the warning to not allow 
On any pretense or by-play 
The return of Oalin now. 
Nor don't think that she is not keen 
Because of weakness you have seen. 

XX 

" Though madly in love with the prince, 
And willing to follow him hence ; 
When she learns what a cad he is, 

And the truth about lies he wrote, 
She will not stand for deeds like his, 

Nor on the roue will longer dote. 
Then you can't tell how far she'll go, 
Nor the next item in the show. 

XXI 

" Perhaps you may be at a loss 
For reason why was sent across 
This maid, of whom I do so speak, 

Or trusted her the mail to take. 
Well did I know she was not weak, 

And was honest for the truth's sake; 
But Bernard wrote and gorged with news, 
I greatly feared fanatic views. 

182 



THE SPIDERS WEB IS BROKEN 

XXII 

Too capable for woman-kind, 

When with him she will soon unwind 

The web of lies he her has told, 

And then their troubles will begin. 
Then he will find that she is bold, 

And not afraid to clash with sin. 
So you must keep this maid in hand, 
Nor let her leave the German land." 

XXIII 

Pale, Bernard was with rage and shame, 
Durst not deny nor counterclaim. 
For sparkling eye of Sophie Olm 

Plain told that she would have a say 
If further went the query on. 

Full well he knew it was his play 
To do whate'er the monarch said 
Without cavail or seeming dread. 

XXIV 

It was not long he had to wait, 
Then better felt that a worse fate 
Had not been meted out to him; 

And o'er his face played ghost of smile 
Which deepened to sardonic grin, 

As did his eyes meet those the while 
Of man and woman whom he knew 
Had somehow put him in the stew. 

183 



OALIN 

XXV 

But could the knave have seen the trend 
E'er race begun that day did end, 
Rather would he have faced the French 

And died on fierce fought battle line, 
Or even in some lonely trench, 

Than meet with fate at place and time, 
Prophetic told in monarch's speech, 
When stating where his bones might bleach. 

XXVI 

And one there was who saw him pale, 
When as condition, should he fail 
In task allotted him that day, 

That other would his castle hold; 
And wondered if 'twas thought of way 

Its horrid secrets would be told. 
But as a whole, he faced the storm 
In keeping with the ancient form. 

XXVII 

" Bernard Malchow," the Kaiser cried, 

While anger held him near tonguetied, 
" It seems you are the one to blame 

For mixup, which may cost us dear; 
And you, my man, must straighten same, 

Or nevermore sit with us here. 
Undo the harm that you have done, 
Or other has your castle won. 

184 



THE SPIDER'S WEB IS BROKEN 
XXVIII 

" Take to the trail this very day 
Of thing that turned your head to clay, 
And do not stop for bolt nor door 

Until forever silence shrew. 
If you should fail in this to score, 

Tis better far that your bones strew 
An ocean floor, in tide to bleach 
Than come again within my reach. 

XXIX 

" Von Kuehlmann, aid him as you can 
To catch again this woman man. 
Noske, keep your best sleuth with him 

Till victory his efforts crown 
And he has caged this thing of sin. 

For I feel in my heart deep down 
That much depends on your success, 
And fear results if you have less." 



185 



Canto Suitflue 

Scene — Rosas Bay. 
ALL ABOAED THE WAIBLINGEN 

THE ARGUMENT 

When dread and fear have crushed ambitions life 

Until we are no longer fit for strife. 

And each varying breeze does easy swerve 

Our last remaining modicum of nerve; 

Then, if comes through the clouds a gleam of light 

Which shows there is beyond a realm more bright. 

Reaction quickly changes our whole aim 

And forces brain to work at fever strain. 

When onward forced by a resistless tide. 
Till yielding, we allow all things to glide: 
And doom we listless view without a flush. 
Though plain is seen the coming storm will crush. 
Let us but gain a glimpse of the fair land 
On which, if reached, we may forever stand: 
Then will the nerveless hand stern grasp the oar, 
Xor falter till is gained the longed-for shore. 



187 



OALIN 

I 

The dull, dark shore of Rosas Bay 
Close clasped by darker waters lay, 
And over all a winter mist 
Gave to the scene a sullen twist, 
Which in the absence of a wave 
Caused feeling chill, as of the grave, 
That would not seem to make for love 
Nor inspiration from above. 

II 

Yet on its breast that winter night, 
Noiseless, uncanny as a sprite, 
Drifted a boat with oarsmen three 
Who watched for signal from the sea. 
For signal that would bid them come 
Beside a ship, which in the sun 
Dared not draw near to Spanish land, 
So used the night as magic wand. 

Ill 

A canvas closely drawn o'er them 
Concealed from prying eyes of men 
A lantern in the little craft, 
While shielding from the chilly draft 
Two maidens fair, and gallant bold, 
Who urged his suit, and of love told. 
Without regard to number two, 
He swore to one he would be true. 

188 



ALL ABOARD THE WAIBLINGEN 

IV 

What need is there for you, my love, 
On board the ship your way to shove; 
To flee from one your presence charms, 
And face again war's fierce alarms? 
What gain is there to love or me, 
For you to cross the stormy sea? 
To dare once more the things we fear 
And leave me sad and lonesome here? " 



'Tis duty's call that I must heed, 
And of my craft there is sore need; 
So do not harder make my task, 
For cannot do that which you ask. 
To save the ship from Yankee foe, 
Of allied movements they must know; 
And there is none to take my place, 
So peril I again must face." 

VI 

If this lady the sea must cross 
It will not be to her a loss, 
To do this wireless work for you 
And leave my love to lover true. 
Gold and diamonds have I here, 
Which I will yield all right and clear 
That in the land beyond the wave 
Would take her weary years to save." 

189 



OALIN 

VII 

Long did the gallant urge his suit, 
Oft did the maid his pleas refute; 
But plainly could the third one see 
That with her love she wished to be; 
Nor had she heart for present work 
And sought excuse the job to shirk. 
So one sat waiting for the time 
When an offer would be in line. 

VIII 

Now came the watched for spray of light, 
Then quick the boat's prow pointed right, 
And speeding towards the ship they went 
With tough ash oars by strong arms bent. 
The near approach to parting played 
On shaken nerves of loving maid, 
Who had much more than life at stake 
Until it seemed her heart would break. 

IX 

Keeping in mind the warning words 
Which had, like twritter from the birds, 
Come to her ears when forced to part 
From Sophie Olm in Berlin's heart, 
The Yankee maid had listened long — 
For it was her, who chirping song — 
Had come that eve to Rosas shore 
To board a homebound ship once more. 

190 



ALL ABOARD THE WAIBLINGEN 

X 

But now she deemed the time had come 
For her to make these lovers one, 
And while at work on kindly deed 
Of her own safety, to take heed. 
So to the twain she soft did speak, 
And clear explained in manner meek 
That the wireless she understood, 
And would be pleased to help, if could. 

XI 

'Across the sea there waits for me 
A lad who ever true will be, 
And I am sent by high command 
To carry news to Yankee land. 
So you can see that if not lost 
I must go there, whate'er it cost; 
And if you care this maid to trust 
She will to you be fair and just. 

XII 

Of course I cannot do your part 

Unless to me you do impart 

Full knowledge of this roving ship, 

Of master, crew and destined slip. 

For, if I rightly understand, 

A message coming from the land 

Is meant to be interpreted 

And ever has a meaning hid." 

191 



OALIN 

XIII 

Trembling with hope the strange maid sat 
And watched her love pour in the lap 
Of one, who still was garbed a nun, 
The promised gold, a goodly sum. 
Then his hand clasped and an arm placed 
Around the Yankee's padded waist. 
While whispered in the low bent ear 
Words which a lover might not hear. 

XIV 

The ship is a famed Austrian yacht — 
The Waiblingen, from Rhodolstadt. 
To fool the Allies in their aim, 
Is camouflaged " The State of Maine." 
Her captain is the Count of Stry, 
Who, if his plans go not awry, 
Right quickly will the ocean cross, 
And cause our foes much hurt and loss. 

XV 

So swift she is that naught afloat 
Can stop her being mother boat 
To the divers, which soon will lay 
In each wild Western sea and bay, 
Ready to strike with German might 
Those who attempt to trade or fight 
Against the wish of high command 
Or profit of the Fatherland. 

192 



ALL ABOARD THE WAIBLINGEX 

XVI 

'A passenger there is on board, 
In far Japan a noble lord. 
On secret mission he has been 
In Texas town they will land him; 
Amid the scenes of country life, 
Far from the hustle, toil and strife; 
And then he will professor be, 
As meek as you would wish to see. 

XVII 

'And now a word about yourself, 
For there is one who has great wealth 
And power; yet he dares not break 
Orders the foreign office make. 
But if he gains the captain's ear 
Your love from you will never hear; 
So of the wireless words that come, 
You have good need to censor some." 

XVIII 

Before a word more could be said, 
The sought for ship loomed dead ahead. 
Then quickly dropped the shirker prone, 
While over her was canvas thrown. 
The lantern on her shoulders sat, 
And careless stood, like on a mat, 
The solemn nun and gallant bold, 
Waiting for orders to be told. 

193 



OALIN 

XIX 

Beside the ship they promptly shove, 
Through close inspection from above, 
While lightly did the gallant swing 
His lantern so its rays would fling 
Bright light and shadow on each part; 
And no one flinched, nor made a start, 
Though well was known there did them scan 
One whom to trick meant death to man. 

XX 

Came now a strong voice from the rail : 
" I thought they claimed that without fail 
A wireless clerk would meet me here; 
And lack of one may cost us dear. 
My dear Count Rodo, can you tell 
Why this cursed luck on me befell? 
And do you know of any chance 
For remedy at single glance." 

XXI 

' The lass they sent, her Grace of Creux, 
Is very blue with Spanish flue; 
And seemed to me it was not best 
To run the chance that all the rest 
Might quickly follow in her w r ake, 
If on the ship the maid did take. 
So left her in an Olot inn, 
Hoping she would the death race win. 

194 



ALL ABOARD THE WAIBLINGEN 

XXII 

But when I wired and told the need 
At once they gave my message heed, 
And as there was no longer time 
To get a new clerk o'er the line, 
They begged me ask this holy nun, 
If for the time she would be one. 
With the request to her I went, 
And she gave me her prompt consent. 

XXIII 

The high command did further say 
That other clerks were on the way, 
And soon you would at least have two. 
They hoped that you till then would do 
What in your judgment is the best 
That can be done for all the rest 
Now heading towards the Carib sea; 
And their good wishes with you be." 

XXIV 

A better humor then was shown, 
And ladder to the boat was thrown. 
The nun up it did promptly go 
With jaunty step, but heartbeats slow; 
For now she was about to test 
The sealed passport to the far West, 
That Sophie Olm made substitute 
For Kuehlmann's script of bad repute. 

195 



OALIN 

XXV 

With sinking heart she faced the Count 
In quick rebound her spirits mount, 
When noted him a callow youth, 
And deemed he could not be in truth 
The notorious Lord of Stry 
Who never heeded pity's cry; 
Whose victims were from every land, 
In dread of whom the world did stand. 

XXVI 

I come, my lord, with German mail, 
Which must across, and never fail; 
And also have I promised true 
The wireless work to proper do. 
So keenly scan this passport mine, 
And finding right I deem it time 
To list for message from the sea 
Sent out to learn of you and me." 

XXVII 

Of her service there was such need 
That little else could the Count heed; 
While proved to be the needed stuff, 
The careless manner of the bluff. 
With but a fleeting moment's glance, 
He passed what was his only chance 
To learn aught of his passenger, 
And said, as humbly bowed to her: 

196 



ALL ABOARD THE WAIBLIXGEX 

XXVIII 

" Not only is there need to learn 
The news for which our betters yearn, 
But pressing at the moment is 
Full knowledge of the foe-ship's biz. 
Whether they now are on our track, 
Or merely drifting fro and back; 
And if the Gorgons of the air 
Are watchful scouting here and there. 

XXIX 

" The time on forms we will not waste, 
But quickly to your labors haste, 
That we may not be caught asleep; 
Nor give our friends a cause to weep. 
Now, Holy Sister, when is set 
To comb the air your wireless net, 
Remember, 'Tis your wish, our deed, 
And spoken word we all will heed. 



197 



Canto W&tlttn 

Scene — On the Waiblingen. 

A PAIR OF MASHERS 

THE ARGUMENT 

Honor defend with all your might, 
Slack not when rages wild the fight, 
Nor when victory seems in flight; 
For life is not worth the living, 
Nor is friendship worth the giving 
When of honor we have lost sight. 

Lack of honor mankind assails, 

Loss of honor your friend bewails, 

Finding honor never avails, 
For to find is not convincing, 
That with truth you are not mincing; 

But keeping honor, the whole world hales. 



199 



OALIN 

I 

With many wireless instruments 
Set close around her like a fence, 
Was cause for maid to busy keep, 
And little time she had for sleep. 
Still less to note the glances sent 
By privileged two, who came and went 
At will, and each dispatch would read 
Though only one had any need. 

II 

Above them floats the banner bright, 
And " State of Maine " is in plain sight. 
Thus camouflaged they had passed through 
An Allied fleet, and kept course true 
To reach Gibralter's famous strait, 
Where they arrived in evening late, 
And lay in range of guns all night, 
Which crown Europa's rugged height. 

Ill 

At early dawn they begged for news, 
And of the wireless worker's views. 
Then when the sun did fully blaze, 
An extra flag on high they raise, 
And under emblems of the free 
Speed swift into the western sea. 
Some weeks it was before this stuff 
Was known to be just nervy bluff. 

200 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 

IV 

This morn the maid, neat, fresh and trim 
Sat long and watched the headlands dim 
On Spanish and Morroccan shore: 
Compared the straits to open door, 
Which led to other climes and men; 
While wondered if she would again 
See aught of this historic place, 
Oft peopled with a bygone race. 



Suddenly the receivers whir 

With messages that startle her, 

And drove all romance thoughts away, 

Engulfed in events of the day. 

The first was scarcely written down, 

When there came one which caused a frown 

And short the time to censor it, 

E'er was by interruption hit. 

VI 

The first one read : " There is sore need 
That the Waiblingen swiftly speed 
To the manganese laden ship. 
What e'er the cost, let her not slip; 
For if that load of precious ore 
Does ever reach the Yankee shore 
Then sure is lost the German cause, 
So haste your best and never pause." 

201 



OALIN 

XIII 

Wild fear and horror made her weak 
Before the Jap began to speak; 
But e'er his long discourse was done, 
She had become the sedate nun, 
Ready to play the game of life 
In peaceful manner or in strife. 
Coolly ignored his fiendish grin, 
And smiling sweetly, answered him. 

XIV 

In this strange turn of fate I see 
You think you have the cinch on me. 
But fumed oak friend, you must have care 
And of the Count, 'tis well beware. 
For if he notes this mood of yours 
Then quick will end your many tours; 
And as you sink beneath the brine 
You will repent this thought of thine. 

XV 

For the ignoble Lord of Stry 
On me has cast his vicious eye; 
And if he dreams that I am false 
To Fatherland, or my work halts; 
Then would he not a moment wait, 
Until informed I was of fate. 
So for the safety of us both 
You must appear this maid to loathe." 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 

XVI 

Now lookee here, you smarty girl, 
If me do so, play green, and curl; 
When we on land, you cut me dead 
And laugh because me have fool head. 
Then skip away with nudder mans 
And raise the cain just all you cans. 
Say you no do all these fool acts, 
Me then help you to keep compacts." 

XVII 

I surely will not do them all, 
For that would be a fearful fall 
From what is known as honor's path; 
Which follow not, a woman hath 
But little that is worth to live, 
And naught which is of use to give. 
So freely do I promise you 
And honor, that I will be true." 

XVIII 

Me guessum you say yes to me 

An' that is what she better be; 

For if you try to play mean tricks, 

Me pound your head off with some bricks." 

Over the maid a shiver went, 

At impish glance the brown man sent; 

Though changed his words to lightest speed 

When sound of footsteps their ears reach. 

205 



OALIN 

XIX 

With his face wreathed in genial smiles, 
The kind that thought of fear beguiles, 
He turned to meet, and kindly greet 
His Teuton host. Then in words sweet 
Did for a time hold light converse 
About the war, though oft would curse 
The Allies and the Yankee race, 
Before he, bowing, left the place. 

XX 

Both messages the captain read, 

I thought you were not nun," he said. 

For cheek so fair and eye so bright 

Should not be hidden from the sight. 

But know you that the prince, though brave, 

Is ever a fair woman's slave; 

Famed connoiseur of maiden charms, 

And friend to him a good name harms. 

XXI 

Knowing this, as I think you must; 
It would not to yourself be just 
To lonesome sit and grieve for him. 
Far better you some pleasure win 
In social meeting with your kind. 
And, lady, if you do not mind, 
A friendly greeting kiss from thee, 
Great happiness would bring to me.' 

206 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 

XXII 

Hot flushed her face in shame lo hear 
The brutal words, and him so near. 
Closely her one hand grasped the gun, 
From pocket slipped when talk begun, 
And under apron neatly lain. 
A shield too slight to bar its aim. 
Though tone in which she answer gave 
Was low and soft, like yielding slave. 

XXIII 

Speak low, my lord, you are on ground 
Dangerous, with the Jap around; 
For he has cast an eye on me, 
And angered, might do harm to thee. 
Just now the wily heathen's daft 
And crazy in his dreams. He laughed 
To think that a mere captain man 
Dare cross the envoy from Japan." 

XXIV 

Dare! I'll show the fool that I dare 
Skin him alive. Then tear his hair 
Out by the roots. Mash his thick head 
And fling him overboard when dead. 
Tell me, fair one, if it be true 
That he has dared to think of you? 
The fairest maid in Christendom? 
HOLY SMOKE! THE SON-OF-A-GUN! 

207 



OALIN 

XXV 

Still smiling, she quite gently said : 
Do not let anger turn your head, 
For danger to your country comes 
If this wise heathen dies or runs; 
And for the moment you must do 
Just those things reason bids you to. 
Your likes and dislikes must not show 
Nor let him think these things you know." 

XXVI 

Tell me, fair lady, tell me true, 

Is this fool nigger aught to you? " 

Not more to me, nor ne'er can be 

Than other blades, who oft I see. 

But you well know the Jap compact 

Must not be broken by the act 

Of servant of the Fatherland, 

Whose movements will be closely scanned.' 

XXVII 

If now I yield to your request 
And do that which you think is best, 
Will you, dear maid, when from him free, 
Reserve a kind reward for me? 
Allow me one lone kiss to steal — 
Your cheek against my own to feel. 
A sweet remembrance of the day. 
Please, little darling, say I may. " 

208 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 

XXVIII 

Light clicked the automatic gun, 

While down her cheek the sweat beads run 

But voice w r as even and controlled 

When made reply to masher bold: 

It is too early in the game 

Your much washed for reward to name; 

But list, for what I tell is true, 

My first stray kiss I'll give to you." 

XXIX 

The pilot's whistle now 7 was heard 
And further confab was deferred. 
For a full week she ran the bluff 
And told to each a lot of stuff 
Until she knew for sure each one 
When near the other held his gun. 
Oft wondered if a shooting would 
Mend matters and make these men good. 

XXX 

In all that time she dared not go 
To her stateroom or down below, 
Save for a moment when she knew 
Each scamp had something else in view. 
Under the plea that there was need 
The instruments to closely heed, 
She stayed inside the wireless door 
And dreamed of yokel more and more. 

211 



0AL1N 

XXXI 

Wondering if he still was true 
Or had he now a flame or two. 
Then fond memory's limit taxed 
Recalling verse and pleading acts 
With which he tried to ward the blow 
She knew had filled his heart with woe; 
And threatened now to ruin her 
Or at the least her life to blur. 

XXXII 

Without warning a message came 

Which with excitement made cheeks flame, 

And changed the dull routine of life 

To eager waiting for the strife. 

Though little dreamed the maid who took 

The words and wrote them in a book 

That they presaged a mystery 

As great as known in history. 

XXXIII 

The Waiblingen! Where are you now? 
You must have had the time to plow 
A path across the ocean wide 
Since from the straits did careless glide. 
You're needed now, if ever was, 
And this is doubly true, because 
The ship that in the roadstead lay 
Is steaming out from Carlisle Bay." 

212 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 

XXXIV 

No answer would the captain send 
Till he had chance his course to mend, 
To take him north from Barbados. 
But in an hour this message goes : 
" This is Governor Miliken 
On board his yacht, ' The State of Maine.' 
The Cyclops we desire to meet 
And our old friend, the captain, greet." 

XXXV 

From Bridgetown first an answer came, 

But soon the ship sent o'er the main 

A greeting to the governor; 

And did arrange a meeting for 

The two commanders, and friends with, 

On early morning, March the fifth, 

At point which showed the Waiblingen 

To north, instead of south, right then. 

XXXVI 

Like hound that strikes warm scent of prey 
The Hun ship sped till close of day, 
And in the darkness, without light, 
Still hurried long into the night. 
Till when the midnight hour was near 
The lookout's call came loud and clear : 
" Far in the lead a glim I see, 
And think it must the Cyclops be." 

213 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Another hour then glance could tell 
That on the Cyclops vision fell, 
While the decks, now cleared for action, 
Proved to all a new attraction. 
Without warning, slowed the ship 
And order stern came from the lip 
Of captain bold, which was surprise 
To Jap and maid, though they were wise. 

XXXVIII 

" The covered launch proceed to lower, 
Fitted to cross the ocean o'er. 
Lieutenant Wichman will command, 
And Engineer Wirth be his hand. 
Our passengers will have their care, 
So well provide of goodly fare; 
And till they join us on the morrow 
See that they have no cause for sorrow." 

XXXIX 

Premonition, there might be slip 

In getting back to mother ship, 

Was cause for maid to fully pack 

Her few belongings in a sack 

She took with her on board the boat; 

And watchful, saw the Jap afloat 

On uncertain sea of doubt 

When counted grips that he brought out. 

214 



A PAIR OF MASHERS 
XL 

On thought, the maid could understand 
Why they were not to be on hand 
During the struggle that controlled 
The load of ore in the ship's hold. 
But there was look of rage and hate 
Between the captain and his mate 
When the lieutenant left the ship, 
Which caused her mind from shelf to slip. 

XLI 

And later when the denouemont 
Came like the roar of hammered gong; 
She wondered why the officer 
Could come away in charge of her, 
And leave to fate and chance of war, 
What, than his life, he valued more. 
But knew, if rumor heard was true, 
To cross the Count meant a life through. 



215 



Canto 3$autit£ti 

Scene — On the Waiblingen's Launch. 

THE TRAGEDY OF THE CYCLOPS 

THE ARGUMENT 

Dark mystery of the Carib Sea, 
About which rumor often roams, 
Bringing sorrow to many homes. 
Chilling marrow in human bones 

With ghastly ghost of uncertainty. 

Solving this horror by the learned facts 
Casts awful shadow on the light, 
Shows how the victor in his might 
Died close beside the helpless wight 

Who first was victim of hell-born acts. 

Yet its certain sequence clearly shows 
That each foul murder that morn done 
Saved from slaughter many a one — 
Wife and daughter, husband and son — 

Who in the shelter of home repose. 



217 



OALIN 



Through the dull, drear, desolate hours of night, 

With only waning moon for light 

The lonely exiled four kept constant watch 

Of what keyed nerves to highest notch — 

A ship, which steady steamed o'er tropic sea 

Without a thought of harm to be, 

When well they knew that death was on her trail 

And into port she would not sail. 

II 

When strain on nerves he could no longer stand, 
The Japanese in outstretched hand 
Proffered a double cross in shining gold, 
And said, as would commander told: 
Close up on yonder dimly flashing light, 
So near that we can see the fight. 
Then will we slack when does real war begin, 
So none will need confess our sin." 

Ill 

This made the German thoughtful hesitate, 

Then pass the money to his mate, 

And as he did, give signal for "more speed, 

Muttering the while: "A bad deed 

This is. Foul, loathsome murder we may see, 

But no real fighting will there be. 

GOD IN HEAVEN! Can you the horror end, 

Or is no way this thing to mend? " 

218 



THE TRAGEDY OF THE CYCLOPS 

IV 

Came then a time in which the little launch, 
Though well made and exceeding staunch, 
Coursed on so hard that her sides plainly bend 
And threaten oft the seams to rend. 
For never had the tiny craft before 
Been pushed so fast the ocean o'er, 
Swept swiftly forward by excess of steam 
Such as e'er this it had not seen. 

V 

At last they were not more than furlongs three 

Astern the mistress of the sea; 

Who, heading for her home port, steady steamed 

And of destruction little dreamed. 

Her flashlights o'er the Carib brightly shine 

Far to the front in graceful line; 

With lookout in his place and firmly stand 

On the high bridge a watchful band. 

VI 

Faintly, but sure, now show first streaks of dawn 
Which dimmed Saint Lucia's lights, which long 
Had plainly seen, first north and later east; 
While what well told of coming feast, 
The sprightly movements in the cabin seen, 
Changing figures behind the screen, 
Made the watchers wonder if the day would come 
Without the hurt of anyone. 

219 




The Tragedy of the Cyclops 



OALIN 

VII 

While Jap and German oft had held converse, 
The maid, except one answer terse 
Replying to query on right and wrong, 
Had nothing said the whole night long; 
Yet anxiously had waited for the end, 
While hope and fear in her mind blend 
Into a state of wild uncertainty 
Which bordered on insanity. 

VIII 

Now whispered earnest prayer for God to hear, 

And thankfulness that day was near. 

But even as she murmured came a chill, 

Omen of the impending ill; 

When shadow dark across the light was thrown 

While calliope gave low moan, 

Which in an instant changed to startling scream 

As ship shot thwart the Cyclops' beam. 

IX 

So close was she that pilot rung slow speed 
And turned the helm as had good need, 
To pass astern the strangely moving ship, 
Which out of darkness seemed to slip. 
The weird wanderer had no light displayed, 
But the same turn as Cyclops made, 
And did appear that she was handled well, 
Which quickly brought them parallel. 

222 



THE TRAGEDY OF THE CYCLOPS 

X 

On either ship its power failed to use, 

Though by momentum it would cruise. 

The space that showed between them was not wide, 

As side by side they smoothly glide; 

Until, when at a point of passing were, 

There came a roar, a roll, a whir; 

And spouting water wildly thrown in air 

Told that grim death was working there. 

XI 

The heavy laden ship made long side roll, 

Till plainly showed the mine-torn hole. 

But flash and crash, with sound of breaking came 

E'er she could right herself again. 

While the Hun ship's victory flashing light 

Gave perfect view of awful sight, 

As the demon, death, hurled to ocean grave 

Three hundred souls, and would none save. 

XII 

For a single moment, the great ship lay 

Like wounded lion brought to bay, 

With the death quiver in every part, 

While closely clasping steel cleft heart. 

Then middle broken frame made downward fare, 

As fore and aft raised high in air, 

And when the movement told of coming fate 

Rung the Hun's deck with yells of hate. 

223 



OALIN 

XIII 

On the now doomed leviathan a few 

Came wildly scrambling into view; 

Each one intent on gaining prow or stern, 

In the vain hope for better turn. 

But quickly, fiercely, sadly came the end 

Without a chance to matters mend; 

For it could not have been one minute's time 

E'er Cyclops sank beneath the brine. 

XIV 

The fearful, awful plunge of greater ship 

Made crater into which could slip 

With heavy list the Waiblingen, broadside; 

And as she righted quick to ride 

The reflex swell that swept across her deck 

There came what seemed an earthquake wreck. 

A moment's rumbling, grumbling, grewsome sound, 

And then no ship could there be found. 

XV 

Her staunch new frame was by explosion rent 

And o'er the sea were fragments sent. 

Even where the watchers were was scattered 

Debris mixed with humans battered 

To senseless, formless, bleeding chunks of clay, 

By the swift whirl through sky curved way; 

And almost miracle, that boat was free 

From harm in thickly wreck-strewn sea. 

224 



THE TRAGEDY OF THE CYCLOPS 

XVI 

When realized they were at liberty, 

Unharmed by awful tragedy, 

And now their tiny boat alone must roam 

On ocean vast, oft lashed to foam; 

Where, if a stranger they should chance to meet, 

They durst not even stop to greet. 

Then seemed the short shrift of foe and friend 

The easy way to matters mend. 

XVII 

But stout hearts there were in the lonely band 

Who soon had spirits well in hand; 

And thoughtful converse held on course to take, 

Also of port which first would make. 

Till now Oalin had not spoken word 

But had the conversation heard, 

And gently urged that their first move should be 

A closer scanning of the sea. 

XVIII 

Prompt answer did the stern commander give: 

Nearer we cannot go and live, 

For the last holocaust was caused by gas 

Of which she had a mighty mass. 

The heavy list, when forced in crater swift 

May in her hold have caused a shift, 

Or else the mines from storage were not loose, 

And wreck caught cables proved fate's noose. 

225 



OALIN 

XIX 

Be that as may, above the sea does lay 

Such mass of gas that if this way 

The wind should blow, the world might never know 

What we, with horror have seen go 

Beneath the ceaseless waves of the wild sea; 

And none of us would ever be 

The writer of a world famed history; 

Failing which, all is mystery." 

XX 

Scarce had he finished the explanation, 
When a startling exclamation 
Gave cause for each to earnest eager gaze 
Into the now gray dawn and haze, 
Which was a seeming shadow over all; 
But more special where did befall 
Dire disaster to many human kind; 
A trace of whom no one will find. 

XXI 

From down somewhere along an ocean lane 

Without a thought of hurt there came 

A brightly lighted, slowly drifting ship, 

Seeking the cause for roar and rip 

That in the first faint streaks of early dawn 

Had pilot's close attention drawn; 

And when was understood the move they made, 

Wichman first shouted and then prayed. 

226 



THE TRAGEDY OF THE CYCLOPS 

XXII 

" Keep on! Don't stop! KEEP ON! Till far away, 
Or strike a bank of gas you may; 
And woe to you and your every friend 
If that foul deed you try to mend." 
But though he did his very loudest shout, 
And safety try to bring about, 
'Twas plain that distance and the moaning wind 
Dulled sound and ship crew's vision dimmed. 

XXIII 

At last, when proved his call could not be heard, 
On bended knee with earnest word 
He begged of the All-Seeing One to do 
What was beyond a human to: 
" Great Father in Heaven, please do not add 
Another horror to this sad 

Destruction of dear ones, who, far from home, 
Lie 'neath the sea in place unknown." 

XXIV 

Silent, the now almost heartbroken maid, 

While hope and fear alternate played 

On her overwrought imagination; 

And is not exaggeration 

The thought that they had been fell war's first aids. 

Till at the very gates of Hades, 

Were viewed the horrors of the underworld, 

The depths to which they would be hurled. 

227 



OALIN 

XXV 

She saw, though sight seemed only stony stare, 
The ship, whose lights with brilliant glare, 
Made things close round look very bright and new, 
But in the distance fogged the view; 
Come slowly to a stop and o'er the rail, 
Eager, gazing, ready to hail; 
Leaned what appeared to be her human freight, 
Close scanning space, so torn of late. 

XXVI 

While she still looked, the bank of deadly gas, 

Cleft in twain by the moving mass, 

Did close and sealed the fate of those on ship, 

As plainly shown by toss and slip, 

And frantic gasping for the breath of life. 

The throng wild rush, as would in strife; 

Backward, forward, around the rail, and lunge, 

Then, failing aid, they seaward plunge. 

Envoy 

When after many weeks the ship was found 

Drifting the Carib sea around, 

It showed not one had died below the deck 

While the vultures had left no speck 

Of those who did not to the water take, 

The end of suffering to make. 

All this was cause for wonder o'er the land, 

Where varied theories were planned. 

228 



Canto 3$xftetn 

Scene — Off San Domingo. 

THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON 

THE ARGUMENT 

A lost soul on the sea of life, 

Trembling at sight of human mate, 
Fearing that love has turned to hate 
And drifting to an unknown fate, 

Without courage to save by strife, 
The right to live, 

Is like this boat with crew of four, 
Wandering o'er a storm-swept sea, 
Not knowing that which is to be, 
Save from its kind must ever flee, 

And gain by stealth, if gain once more, 
The right to live. 



229 



OALIN 

I 

A ship that flew the stars and stripes, 

One of the war time merchant types, 

Off San Domingo Harbor lay, 

Because too deep to enter bay; 

And just when day changed to the night 

A covered launch came in her light; 

Trim and neat as ever sailed, 

And prompt the Yankee skipper hailed. 

II 

Will you appalling message send, 
Telling a tale which none may mend, 
Of a great ship's untimely fate 
When not a moment would death wait, 
For one of those who perished there 
To breathe a penitential prayer, 
Or give a thought to dear ones home 
E'er forced in Charon's bark to roam." 

Ill 

The wireless quickly flashed the news, 
Together with the skipper's views, 
Of how the Cyclops had been sunk, 
And his belief 'twas rotten bunk. 
Yet e'er had passed a single hour 
Since sped the message sad and dour 
An answer came from Washington, 
Startling the cynic sea dog some. 

230 



THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON 

IV 

'A great reward for you in store 
If see no more will roam the four 
Who hailed you from the covered boat; 
And if no longer is afloat 
The dread Waiblingen, mother ship 
To host of divers, which will slip 
Past Allied guards, then is the word 
Though sad, the sweetest we have heard." 

V 

The Yankee skipper smote his breast 
And cusswords floated East and West, 
For he had let the launch pass on, 
Not waiting for instructions from 
Our sometimes testy Uncle Sam; 
Who expects his every man 
To use judgment, when does command, 
Nor let suspect slip through his hand. 

VI 

Though fuming, he was prompt to act, 
The dinghy quickly flung from rack, 
Well manned it with six jackies true 
And soon was spinning o'er the blue 
To catch the launch which from men fled; 
And rightly guessed as on they sped 
That to the city she had gone, 
For what would aid in journey long. 



OALIN 

VII 

Meantime the launch had reached a pier, 
And having right good cause to fear 
Results, if inquiry was made, 
With avaricious official played, 
By paying double price in gold, 
Which quickly filled the tank in hold 
With petrol and what needed most 
While speeding toward the Yankee coast. 

VIII 

Another eagle left her free 

To cruise again the Carib sea; 

And without showing any light 

She sped into the silent night, 

Meeting, when reached the harbor's mouth, 

The dinghy coming from the south. 

Loud hail was made as close they passed, 

But answered not, when stop was asked. 

IX 

Quick turned the dinghy in her wake, 

With greater speed than launch could make 

But when within a short stone's throw, 

No closer could the small craft go; 

For ebbing water from the wheel 

Did easy hold the lighter keel; 

In spite of all its engine strength, 

At what might seem to be arm's length. 

232 



THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON 

X 

Nor could the Yankee's swift boat turn — 

Which caused an oath when fact did learn 

From out the heavy launch's wake, 

To short detour around her make. 

For when such crafty move was tried, 

The German to it prompt replied 

By turning nose the other way, 

And sped straight from her, as in play. 

XI 

Nor in the night when used no light 
Could the pursuer make long flight; 
For out of contact he would be 
When could not either hear or see. 
Then came an order, firm and clear, 
Which sent a chill as fleers hear : 
Slow down and surrender, you chumps, 
Or we'll fill you with lead at once." 

XII 

For a replj 7 , there came command 
To place behind them things at hand 
Which would a Yankee bullet stop. 
Into the life preservers hop; 
Then get together, one and all, 
To make, as answer to the call 
A loud defy. Now mind your eye, 
For they their skill will surely try." 

233 



OALIN 

XIII 

The life preservers quick they don, 

But one the holy nun put on 

Was iron chain to round her wind, 

And when was asked, " What's in your mind? 

Made to companions a reply 

The force of wiiich none could deny; 

And more, it seemed, they thought of her, 

Who did not wish good name to blur. 

XIV 

" My grandsire wore the Yankee blue; 
Mother, a Red Cross worker true; 
My father, a famous soldier, 
And brothers would be, if older. 
What need have I to answer more? 
Better far that I ne'er reach shore 
Than to so bring regret and shame 
To bearers of an honored name." 

XV 

The threatened bullets now came fast 
From big revolvers sw r iftly passed. 
Sent only as Jackies can aim, 
They pattered like a shower of rain 
On every part of the boat. 
But the hardest of all was smote 
The scuttle protecting the head 
Of him who in defiance led. 

234 



THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON 

XVI 

The wooden part of wheel was shattered 
With human blood was quickly spattered; 
For bullets three passed through the hand 
Of one who did not lack for sand; 
Though all unmanned he seemed to be 
When Cyclops sank beneath the sea. 
Yet little dreamed the lookers on 
What then made him so pale and wan. 

XVII 

The dinghy's w T heel now 7 ceased to turn, 
More gasoline had not to burn, 
And launch fast drew from her away. 
But Yankee skipper had his say 
E'er w T as beyond his range of voice; 
And the words used were very choice 
Specimens of pure billingsgate, 
From one old sea dog to his mate. 

XVIII 

With laugh and jeer they answered him, 

Called him a kiddie full of sin; 

And then to show 7 his threats they scout, 

Sang " Does your mamma know you're out? 

Take all in all, they did behave 

As w r ould so many children rave; 

Nor slightest mention of the plight 

Of sore hurt pilot made that night. 

235 



OALIN 

XIX 

Yet all the time they busy were, 
Nor for a moment did defer 
In caring for the shattered hand; 
And like long cherished comrade band, 
They eager planned each further move, 
Well knowing that short time would prove 
The skipper's words no idle threat. 
1 With the wireless he would them get." 

XX 

Long hours the Yankee captain fumed, 
E'er wonted place on ship resumed. 
Then did not wait to take a nap 
Until each town he found on map 
Within a thousand miles or more 
Had been warned of gold in store 
For lucky persons who would grab 
Those whom our Uncle wished to nab. 

XXI 

Before another sun rolled round 
Message from Washington had found 
Its way to each West Indian place 
Which put a more important face 
On the whole matter, and urged hard 
The great expense to not regard, 
But find, at any price, the four, 
"And see they do not wander more." 

236 



Canto Sixteen 

Scene — Houston. 

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT 
WICHMAN 

THE ARGUMENT 

The simplest ruse ofttimes works best 
And in its working gives a zest 

To adventure and life; 
Unknown to deep laid scheme or plan; 

While avoidance of strife 
Is more oft helpful to a man 
Who finds himself in a tight place 
Than is a blow on other face. 

Not that friends would wish to see 
A human being spineless be, 

But know 'tis best to first 
Try gentle kindly means to solve, 

Even for gore, a thirst. 
Which frankly done will ne'er involve 
A person deeper in the mire, 
Nor loss of self respect require. 



287 



OALIN 



A small dark man from Monterey, 
A big Irish from San Jose, 

A stout but sweet faced nun; 
A doctor bald, and old negress, 

And of police, just one, 
Was the motley group to witness 
The passing of a stranger man, 
And learn his dying wish, if can. 

II 

The place it was St. Martin's Inn, 
Long famed in Houston it has been. 

The time, past one at night, 
In a blustering, windy March. 

Finding a dying wight, 
Was cause for the official's search. 
The first one questioned was the Don, 
Who little knew of what was on. 

Ill 

Me finding be new bugs and plants, 
An' hire big mans to with me tramps; 

To town we comes in boat 
Across the bay, a great long way; 

Den finds dees mans afloat, 
An' heems would not the one word say. 
So we brings to the town along. 
Sometimes heem laugh, an' try sing song." 

238 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT WICHMAN 

IV 

At least 'twas what the fair nun said, 
Meant that which came from out the head 

Of the supposed Spaniard. 
But the officer thought the brogue 

Was somewhat queer and hard, 
And wondered if the dark skinned rogue 
Was not doing a stunt in lying, 
So thought it best to keep on spying. 



The workman said each word was true, 
And of the facts that he well knew, 

Though the nun was strange to him, 
Nor could he gab with the senor; 

Yet sure he had no sin. 
An interruption came before 
More could be done in quizzing line, 
For the sick man engaged their time. 

VI 

Mother, forgive the awful blow, 
For I did not, nor could I know 

Of the situation : 
And if life would have helped to save 

From war's obligation, 
I would not have acted the slave, 
But a free man's part would have played, 
And with him, till the death have stayed. 

239 



OALIN 

VII 

It was but murder I well know, 
But knew not how avert the blow. 

Though terribly avenged 
It was, by other slaughter foul. 

It soon was ghastly fringed 
By the work of a demon ghoul, 
Who brought death to a third ship's crew, 
And thus by bounds, the horror grew." 

VIII 

In silence they waited to hear 

What next would say in accent clear. 

But long he lay moaning, 
As would have done a stricken child; 

E'er suddenly changing 
Sorrow to laughter, loud and wild 
As the notes of a singing bird, 
Surprising each person who heard. 

IX 

Slipped on the peel of a banana, 
In Santiago and Havana; 

Did the real cute Yankee. 
The game was so easy to play, 

And it worked to a tee. 
Just told them that I knew the way 
To where the wanted four were then, 
So come with me and bring good men. 

240 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT WICHMAN 

X 

" Like fool suckers each Yankee bit, 
While promptly I bought gas and flit 

Long paths unknown to them; 
For it used up a lot of time 

To gather in their men." 
He gasped for breath, which was last sign 
That any life in him w r as left, 
Or even knew when broke the weft. 

XI 

The last words left a strong suspicion 
On one quite slow to make decision; 

The officer in charge: 
But feeling sure he had them tight 

Guaged his importance large 
And studied how to gain more light, 
E'er w T ould a drastic action take 
Or some arrests be forced to make. 

XII 

The others, busy with the dead, 
Arranging well on lowly bed, 

The nun passed from the room, 
In careless manner, to the street; 

But quickened step as soon 
As winter breeze gave chilly greet. 
Then learned of need she had to hurry, 
When followed cop in haste and flurry. 

241 



OALIN 

XIII 

For he had seen her a move make, 
And from the greaser's pocket take 

A package closely bound; 
Nor doubted not a reason for 

Would very soon be found. 
So deemed it best to start the war 
By cinching first the fair-faced nun, 
And then would grab the other one. 

XIV 

His first surprise when reached the street, 
To learn his wanted prey was fleet; 

And he must hurry fast 
If kept the portly one in sight. 

Some seven blocks were past, 
E'er by hasting the best he might, 
Was near enough to plainly speak, 
And then his temper was not meek. 

XV 

" From me you must not try to run, 
Or you will rue it, holy nun." 
He called in wheezing breath. 
" Now wait a bit and questions answer, 
Or you'll get caught by death. 
Slow up, you damned high stepping prancer. 
'Tis the last call; say, do you hear? 
Or don't you know enough to fear? " 

242 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT WICHMAN 

XVI 

They were in middle of the block 
Where coming street car did not stop. 

Slow moving garbage truck, 
Plus a dark alley opposite, 

Made a combine of luck, 
With no pedestrian in sight. 
For now the hour it was past two, 
And what she would, must promptly do. 

XVII 

She passed in front of running car 
So close the movement his nerves jar, 

Then round the rear of truck, 
And walking backwards, faced front end, 

While upward small hand stuck 
Crossed with dollars, saying : " Friend, 
You'll get another ten, if shield 
Till in alley the cop has wheeled." 

XVIII 

Lordy! " the negro said, as clutched 
The proffered coin and slightly hutched 

To better shield the nun. 
Stoop low and scrouge. Dat mule won't kick, 

For he am knowing one." 
As spoke, he hit the beast a lick 
And into the dark alley gazed 
As though at something there amazed. 

243 



OALIN 
XIX 

Around the car's rear end on run 
Came angry cop in search of nun. 

Saw everything but 
The vanished sister, whom he sought; 

And seemed to him, the mutt 
Was scanning space wherein he thought 
The fleeing maid had disappeared; 
Or else her wraith his vision queered. 

XX 

Not thinking possible to mask, 
He waited not to question ask, 

But dashed into the alley; 
While speeding car left them alone, 

The lady and her ally. 
She only waited to pass home 
The promised ten, and man to thank, 
E'er seeking shelter, deep and blank. 

XXI 

The all-night clerk in a hotel 
Was dozing easily and w T ell 

When routed from his slumber 
By the stout nun who sweely asked 

For Miss Jones' reserved number; 
And much surprised, a letter tasked, 
When could not find on register 
A reservation made for her. 

244 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT WICHMAN 

XXII 

" There certain has mistake been made, 
Or else her train has been delayed. 

I think the latter true, 
So will for her reserve a room, 

And as a train is due, 
Her coming will quite like be soon. 
A slender mite, has just a lisp, 
And walks with a disgusting twist." 

XXIII 

In time the clerk was roused again 
By the lame, lisping, dowdy hen 
With satchel for a grip. 
" By gum," he said to the day clerk, 
" That pouting ruby lip, 

Those eyes, which made my heart fast work; 
And cheeks. Confound the lisp that came — 
And 'tis a shame that she is lame." 

XXIV 

A week she stayed, another gone, 
When famed detective, snooping long, 

In dresser drawer found 
A quilted padding full of lanes, 

A surplice wound around 
A dress of size for stoutest dames; 
And then knew she who carried mail 
Was both stout nun and maid so frail. 

245 



OAL1N 

XXV 

The hotel men remember then 
That the sweet faced lisping hen 

Used the typewriter long; 
But little thought they at the time 

That anything was wrong. 
Though further search along this line 
Showed a full ream of letters sent, 
But were too late to learn where went. 

XXVI 

Meantime had come from Washington 
Order to hold the maid and one 

Supposed ambassador 
From far Japan, to German land; 

And great reward was for 
The one who kept them well in hand 
Till justice could be meted out. 
But do without great noise or shout." 

XXVII 

Although followed every clew, 
Researching old as well as new 

In all of Houston town; 
You've heard of what there has been found 

A quilted pad and gown — 
In the city or country round. 
And wonder oft, those Southern sleuths, 
With wish to know the salient truths. 

246 



Canto £§2\xvnttvn 

Scene — The Yokel's Home. 

AN INCOGNITO VISIT 

THE ARGUMENT 

A human soul, convinced its earthly life 
Is shadowed by mistake, a long time old; 
But which, still in an iron grip does hold 

So strong, 'tis plain no aid can come from strife: 

Then is control by the emotions rife: 
Humility, with half its charm untold, 
Penitence of greater strength than warrior bold, 

And prayer, piercing deeper than keen edged knife. 

But on the morn when hope is born we scorn 
Humility and penitence and prayer, 

To grasp again the arms of men, though thorn 
Drives deep into the heart, and when is there 

Oft twists, more cruel than a poisoned dart. 

But while hope lives we will not with them part. 



247 



OALIN 

I 

Home from the bloody battle fields of France 

A Yankee soldier came: 
One who had cooly faced grenade and lance, 

But now, one armed and lame. 
Old Rover met him at the farmstead gate 

With joyous bark and bound: 
A true wireless to Dobbin and his mate 

Their master he had found. 

II 

Now joy supreme in that old farmyard reigned 

Because by kindly voice 
Bird, beast and fowl were ofttimes clearly named, 

And feed gave, of their choice: 
But to his kin he was a gloomy man, 

Silent, though ever kind, 
And whispered 'twas, though more was under ban, 

He could a tale unwind. 

Ill 

The day's tasks were done and twilight had come 

When to his own room went 
The master, so tired from work in the sun 

That his shoulders were bent; 
Yet thoughtfully read, e'er seeking his bed, 

A bundle of old letters, 
Which brought to his cheek a flush of bright red, 

And burst the toil-worn fetters. 

248 



AN INCOGNITO VISIT 

IV 

From over a niche the curtain was drawn 

Showing a picture fair, 
So placed that it would watch until the dawn 

Each movement he made there. 
It was of a maid in her early teens — 

Loving, eager and neat; 
While the sparkling eyes told of sweet life dreams 

And heart that hopeful beat. 

V 

The picture was long and earnestly scanned 

E'er knelt in fervent prayer; [manned 

While trembling voice showed him almost un- 

When begged our Father's care 
For the wandering maid, where'er she strayed 

In this or foreign land. 
Then on an ancient harp soft music played, 

Till weary was his hand. 

VI 

An hour rolled round before by slumber bound 

The farmer quiet lay; 
When from the alcove, making not a sound, 

Came specter dim and gray; 
Who lingered for a time beside the bed, 

In seeming silent thought, 
E'er plucked a bud from bunch of roses red 

He had that evening brought. 

249 



OALIN 

VII 

The weird one, silent still, moved through the door 

And passed into the night : 
While Rover, who before ne'er failed to roar, 

Made way with footstep light, 
And walked beside, all down the winding lane; 

The kitten coming too, 
Purring softly as she came, just the same 

As happy kittens do. 

VIII 

The household pets, whose brightly shining eyes 

Were used in dusk to peer, 
Saw in the specter, lady fair, who tries 

To step so none will hear. 
Though clad in costume of a holy nun, 

They knew it was the same 
Their master often gazed upon. The one 

Whose picture hung in frame. 

IX 

These two dumb brutes that friendships never made 

With strangers, who oft came, 
Clung close to her, although no word was said, 

Nor tried attention gain : 
Which simply shows the length that instinct goes 

Where reason ofttimes fails. 
The sense of which no person really knows, 

A thing of its details. 

250 



AN INCOGNITO VISIT 

X 

The Collie paused when reached the farmstead gate, 

And gave a gentle whine; 
Then raised one great forepaw, inviting shake — 

Thus parted he each time. 
Nonpulsed, the lady for a moment stood, 

Wondering what he meant; 
Then wound around his neck, as best she could 

An arm in friendship bent. 

XI 

Dear old doggie, your name I do not know, 

But we will be great chums," 
She said, as from caress firm held him low, 

" The best of tillicums; 
If your master forgives and lets me come 

With him and you to live. 
Right glad I am your friendship has been won, 

And frank return will give. 

XII 

I could not write before I certain knew 

No other ties were formed. 
Tonight I could not speak for fear it true, 

What thought has often warned; 
That love is for the maid he knew of yore, 

And not for one like me: 
So his forgivness I must beg before 

I know what is to be. 

251 



OALIN 

XIII 

Prompt will I write when in my city home 

And beg him to take back 
His one-time love who seeks no more to roam. 

Plain tell how drear and black 
The future seems without his love and care; 

And if he should refuse? 
O God ! Let those who trample hearts beware, 

As hell is for their use ! " 

XIV 

O'erwrought emotion her dumb hearers awed 

To stillness for a time: 
But from inert, the kitten soonest thawed, 

And like a clinging vine 
Against her closely rubbed, while loudly purred, 

As if to say: " Who cries 
Because in dim and distant past has erred? 

LIFE IN THE FUTURE LIES." 

XV 

Reaction from the short time weakness came, 

And voice rang firm and true, 
When she bade return to the house again 

To guard the whole night through. 
An order that they willingly obeyed 

When shaken was the paw; 
An act the lady had long time delayed, 

Not knowing it was law. 

252 



AN INCOGNITO VISIT 

XVI 

She watched them as they trotted side by side — 

The best of friends were they — 
Until in twilight darkness seemed to glide, 

Then turned to go away: 
But Dobbin, who had seen the dog caress 

The lady to him strange, 
His nose reached o'er the fence, in eagerness 

To get in petting range. 

XVII 

She patted him, likewise his shier mate, 

Who came at coaxing call; 
And told them how she hoped 'twould be her fate 

To soon be with them all. 
Then there will be full oft a ride for me, 

And lots of oats for you; 
But until we again each other see, 

Be good, and kind, and true." 

XVIII 

Not towards the nearby village did she go, 

But took the mountain trail, 
Above whose ridge great thunder castles show; 

And whence the first low wail 
Of the storm's breath, o'er hosts of swaying trees, 

Told, " Stout must be the heart 
That this night fears not, nor a phantom sees 

From each dark corner start." 

253 



OALIN 
XIX 

Wearisome and long was the chosen road, 

And wild the storm king's spree. 
While from each swale a new made torrent flowed 

Down to the Opal Sea. 
But aided by lightning and foxfire bright, 

While often thunder rang, 
Through all the dreary, lonesome, tempest night 

Oalin walked and sang. 

L'Envoy 

For breaking heart and dull despair 
Or painful sores from secrets bare, 
Nothing equals an all night's tramp 
Through storm-swept forest, chill and damp; 
Whose only light a brilliant flare, 
Leaving a train of violet glare, 
Followed by thundercrash in air. 
Such deed will certain tightly clamp 

A breaking heart; 
And fit one to receive full share 
Of this world's happiness and care. 
To take all bogies into camp 
And plain impress on them your stamp. 
This cure is sure, though taken rare, 

For breaking heart. 



254 



Canto 4£\ofatttn 

Scene — Washington. 

THE INFORMER 

THE ARGUMENT 

Heels, which wait action because of red tape, 

Have caused the world more loss 
Than all\the brains in high official pate, 

Preserved as are in moss, 
Can make good to the host of toil worn men 

Who live in this decade; 
And no man can tell what the part has been 

That waiting heels have played. 

What might have been done on the self same day 

Was ancient history 
Before the knowing one could find his way 

Through office mystery; 
And no man can tell what has been the cost 

To patient Yankee nation,. 
Nor guess how many points of vantage lost 

By heels elevation. 



255 



OALIN 

I 

'A full month I have been in Washington, 

And have busily tried to find 
The chief of department, who is the one 

To whom I could a tale unwind. 
A tale that to many I dare not speak, 

Lest I from life may severed be; 
One which truly tells how the foe each week 

Uncensored news can plainly see. 

II 

To our well fed congressman I went first. 

It took me four days to reach him; 
And when the tale I did unfold he durst 

Not converse concerning the sin; 
But promptly advised to go a step higher. 

To the Department of Justice, 
As he would like to keep out of the fire 

And not touch another's business. 

Ill 

For nearly two weeks I rested my heels 

In that department corridor; 
Then learned my adviser must have had wheels 

In his head, for they consider 
Only the questions and matters referred 

To them by a secretary. 
And if I was knowing what need be heard 

Must file the order necessary. 

256 



THE INFORMER 

IV 

" For chance to speak to you gentlemen here, 

Ten days I've patiently waited; 
Knowing delay would cost the nation dear, 

As traitor and spy have mated; 
And their fledglings oft speed the ocean o'er, 

News laden by the White House ghost; 
Though the camps and factories furnish more, 

While great committees give the most." 



Your duty was,' 'the secretary said, 
" To make report as soon as known; 
Not letting our resources thus be bled, 

And seeds of dire disaster sown. 
Surely, you must have wit enough to see 

The value to our foes of news; 
But possibly, you may mistaken be, 

And only giving us your views? " 

VI 

To whom, Sir Clearhead, would I make report? 

A gossiping newspaper man? 
A justice of peace? Or a common court? 

Then guess the result, if you can. 
E'er rise of another sun I had seen 

Bullet or dirk had done its work; 
And one more bumpkin had passed oe'r the screen 

To where men do not duties shirk. 

257 



OALIN 

VII 

Then slandering tongue and calumny foul 

Would the finishing quickly give. 
Gentlemen, I've seen the work of a ghoul 

On a reputation, and live 
In fond hope that I will ever be free 

From the slatternly tongue and gibe, 
An unknown cause for death would bring to me 

When 'twas the work of spying tribe. 

VIII 

Here is the face of the maid O-a-lin, 

And never was there one more fair. 
This specimen is her script, neat and trim; 

Beauty and purity show there. [hand; 

Here are her thumb prints, both right and left 

No criminal ever made them. 
Your informer is of a lying band, 

Says your long time chaser of men. 

IX 

Yet this fairest of fair maids, whom I judge 

Is only just out of her teens; 
And towards whom I certainly hold no grudge, 

Took over the ocean full reams 
Of letters, from all parts of Yankee land; 

Which rendered the censorship nil, 
And brought as many to the traitor band, 

Who roam o'er this country at will. 

258 



THE INFORMER 

X 

She, conference held with the foremost men, 

While in the far land of our foe. 
In touch with Von Kuehlmann has often been, 

And did to Potsdam's Palace go. 
At Laon visited Von Ludendorf ; 

And is the long time promised bride 
Of Prince Bernard, who in the South or North 

Is fiercest brute of the war tribe." 

XI 

The assembled statesmen studied with care 

The picture, the writing and prints; 
And though loath to think ill of one so fair, 

Whose face seemed to be baby glints, 
Well knew that at some point there was a leak, 

So felt 'twas their duty to act. 
But he who presided made haste to speak, 

Before they could announce the fact. 

XII 

May I say it seems inconceivable 

That a young lady could do this. 
In fact, I'm sure, it's quite impossible 

That this is the work of a miss. 
It really must be the task for one — 

Regardless of rumors in air — 
Whose years are numbered by many a sun, 

And gray lines showing in hair." 

259 



OALIN 

XIII 

But a man better versed in woman's wiles, 

Who saw where capacity lurked 
'Neath beauty lines, in part concealed by smiles, 

And who never his duty shirked, 
Took up the gauntlet his master threw down, 

Said: " It's facts we are after "; 
So regardless of headshake or frown, 

Urged that the government nab her. 

XIV 

No man can tell what a woman w r ill do; 

Young or old, timorous or bold. 
The unexpected is the more like too, 

And he who bets is often sold. 
Now tell to us, stranger, all that you can 

About this world encircling maid. 
Then we'll instruct our confidential man 

To see her in a prison laid. 

XV 

If innocent, no harm will come to her, 

Nor insult shall she have to fear. 
If guilty is, it would our good names blur, 

Did w T e trace not the things we hear; 
And a nation's fate must never be left 

To opinion of anyone, 
When the facts, by good judgment may be cleft 

In form to be read as we run." 

260 



THE INFORMER 

XVI 

But little more there is for me to say 

To you that will be of real aid; 
And your sleuths may not easy find a way 

To land this slickest traitor maid. 
When came, I could have told you where to find 

The fair one on a given day; 
But a cold trail, though it is well defined, 

Is all I now can do that way." 

XVII 

Official Washington is slow to act, 

But government sleuths are shifty, 
Long-headed, and are very seldom slack; 

Though sometimes they are tricky. 
So when the highups decided to move, 

And capture at once the girl; 
It was thought by many her guilt to prove, 

Which gave the chase a rattling whirl. 

XVIII 

Her picture and copies of script were sent 

To the chiefs in a thousand towns; 
While with them offer of reward there went, 

To sharpen the nose of the hounds: 
But many a day full measured its time, 

Before trail of the maid was struck; 
And, nettled because they failed to get line, 

Sleuths passed to each other the buck. 

261 



OALIN 
XIX 

Diversion came at this stage of the game, 

For beside his auto was found 
The dead form of him who started the same; 

While on the ground, and all around, 
Were papers which tended to show the crime 

Was the work of a German spy, 
Who caught not the teller of tales in time, 

But that he for his act must die. 

XX 

Thus this unknown informer met the fate 
Long time by him so greatly feared; 

Though that the cause was political hate, 
Has never been certainly cleared. 

But he was right in the supposition 
That slander would follow the find, 

And leave memory in a position 

Where his friends fear to truth unwind. 



262 



Canto %$invttvn 

Scene — Bellingham. 
THE BETRAYAL 

THE ARGUMENT 

An action may be legal one 
And net the doer goodly sum, 

Yet be a moral crime. 
It all depends on circumstance, 
Sometimes not easy at a glance 

To tell where is the line 
'Twixt right and wrong, so to make sure, 
We must, what will in heart endure. 

Plain duty may official do, 

When the same deed by me or you 

Might be a moral crime. 
Then careful study circumstance 
And give surroundings watchful glance 

To well locate the line 
'Twixt right and wrong, so all can see 
You have just claim to actor be. 



263 



0AL1N 

I 

Please, husband, list. You surely need, 
For I have done an awful deed, 

Not quite as murder bad, 
Yet one that brings a nervous chill 

And makes me wish I had 
Not done, before was learned your will. 
And fear you may real angry be, 
Because consulted not with thee." 

II 

The husband faced his one year bride, 
For wistfulness she could not hide, 

Did plainly show in voice. 
Yet never dreaming aught was wrong, 

He thought it was from choice 
She lingered over matter long, 
And spoke in such a sober tone, 
As urge for something in the home. 

Ill 

My dear, you look so queer, I fear 
The purchase of a hat is near; 

And if not more, a smile 
May take the place of that strange frown. 

For in a deal made while 
You roving round have been in town, 
I cleared a ten, a five and three, 
And will divide this wealth with thee." 

264 



THE BETRAYAL 

IV 

A wan smile showed on paling face, 
As close in his her hand would place; 

E'er led the way to sink. 
Then from beneath the washpan took 

What made him stare and blink : 
For failed at first small hand that shook, 
And now was growing icy cold, 
To lift a sack well filled with gold. 



He, stupid, rubbed his eyes with fists 
As studied mass of shining disks; 

And noted not her going 
From him, until when did return, 

She gave him bundle showing — 
As very soon he was to learn — 
In Yankee cash an equal sum 
To that of gold in number one. 

VI 

While you were saving paltry mite, 
I did of wealth take goodly bite. 

But 'twas for you, my dear, 
To save from many hard days' work. 

Don't look at me so queer! 
I did not any duty shirk, 
Have yielded all, as is your due, 
And to you ever have been true." 

265 



OALIN 

VII 

He drew her to him. Gently spoke, 

And glad when saw that tear founts broke. 

For growing nervousness 
It seemed might cause complete collapse. 

But all the time not less 
He feared that lure of gold. Perhaps 
His love had strayed from honor's path, 
Not dreaming depth of aftermath. 

VIII 

Be seated now, my long time darling, 
Then from the first begin unsnarling 

This mystery of thine. 
And when we clearly understand 

The cause, the place and time, 
Maybe it will, like magic wand, 
Not prove to be so awful bad. 
Now tell me all you wish you had." 

IX 

Her head upon his shoulder lay, 
And for a time tears held full sway; 

E'er whispered in his ear 
A story which surprised him greatly, 

When meaning sure had clear. 
Then realized that she had safely 
Passed this crises in her life, 
And he no cause to distrust wife. 

266 



THE BETRAYAL 

X 

I chummed in school with Oalin, 
And dearest friends we've ever been, 

Till you took me from there. 
But something awfufc she has done, 

Now talked of everywhere; 
Until attention she has won 
Frank Yankee sleuth and German spy, 
Who want her bad, but on the sly. 

XI 

I met this maid on Garden Street, 
And would not dare, she is so sweet, 

To have you friend to her. 
Short time we pleasant converse hold, 

But all the time a blur 
There was on confidence of old, 
In ill concealed distrust of me, 
Which needed no curved glass to see. 

XII 

When I was near to the Owl store 
A great surprise received once more, 

Which set me in a flutter; 
For face to face with Bernard came, 

Oalin's German lover. 
That he remembered me was plain, 
For grasped my hand, and led aside, 
Saying, ' Good luck with me does bide.' 

267 



OALIN 
XIII 

He claimed that he could never stay 
Away from love another day. 

Then pressed this bag of gold 
Into my hand, while begged of me 

To aid a lover bold; 
Who comes from o'er the stormy sea 
And has from other duties strayed, 
Because of love for a fair maid. 

XIV 

What must have been hypnotic spell 
My judgment clouded, till I fell 

An easy mark for him; 
And whispered, e'er took time to think 

What to friendship was a sin, 
What caused my heart to heavy sink, 
When plainly told the gleam in eye 
To kill or ruin he would try. 

XV 

I went my way with heavy heart, 
As ever those who rashly part 

With God's gift, self respect: 
But did receive a ruder jolt, 

E'er had time to reflect, 
Regarding manner strangle holt 
That on my conscience was obtained, 
Which was the cause for honor stained. 



THE BETRAYAL 

XVI 

" For soon I noted that a man, 
Puffed up like practiced masher can, 

Was walking close by me. 
I slowed, he slowed, then strode I faster; 

Ever in step was he. 
Till when was plain intent to master, 
I stopped stark still and made demand 
That one should turn on either hand. 

XVII 

" Then order came so stern and chill 
That it completely broke my will, 
While went cold shiver o'er. 
* Walk slowly down the Sylvan Street 
And don't get flighty more. 
Nor stop to greet, if friend you meet; 
For I will say before I'm through 
What is of more import to you.' 

XVIII 

" I yielded, though in mortal fear, 
And much I wished for you, my dear; 

But now I know 'twas best 
We two walked down the street alone, 

While listened to his quest. 
He spoke of duty to my home, 
To the nation and world at large; 
E'er came fierce word and sudden charge. 



OALIN 

XIX 

"Woman, give heed to what I say, 
And careful be to each word weigh; 

Or you long time may rue. 
You know full well where traitor maid 

Who over ocean flew 
To fiance, a German blade, 
Is so w 7 ell hidden, somewhere round, 
That trace of her may not be found.' 

XX 

" He stared and scowled, waiting to see 
The full effect of threat on me. 

While there I trembling stood 
With an arm load of German gold; 

And no way that I could 
Get rid of that, or scarcely hold 
It, so would not attention draw 
To fix, from w 7 hich no outlet saw. 

XXI 

" When satisfied that I w T as scared: 
' Here are two propositions paired : 
Take this and name the place 
Where can be found the traitor maid; 

Refuse, and prison face, 
When with the third degree be flayed.' 
As spoke, he handed me this bribe. 
1 1 thought you would come through,' he cried. 

270 



THE BETRAYAL 

XXII 

For knowing not what else to do, 
And greatly fearing for him to 

Learn of the German gold, 
I promptly took the proffered sum, 

Though faint I was and cold 
From fear of what might later come. 
Nor possible would the act seem, 
Of saying, ' High Street, four-fifteen.' 

XXIII 

But half in whisper managed word, 
So bended ear distinctly heard. 

He trace of pity showed 
When saw the horror in my face. 

Checked not the tears that flowed, 
Nor hindered when would flee from place. 
Please tell me truly, Harry dear, 
Do you love less since this year hear? " 

XXIV 

The husband drew his wife to him 

And told, "■ Think not what's done a sin; 

'Twas only fate at most. 
For none can tell the manner come, 

The things of which we boast, 
Nor what would seem life's work undone. 
So banish frown from off your face, 
And let fond hope resume its place." 

271 



OALIN 

XXV 

Kind words and love soon won their lure, 
In better form to then endure; 

When to her gently said: 
Now come with me, my life's great charm 

To where this lady fled. 
Our best we'll do to save from harm; 
Whate'er befalls we hope right won, 
And will consider duty done." 

XXVI 

When of the house they gained a view, 
Surrounding it was motley crew. 

Some men with stars on coat, 
A seeming peddler at the door, 

Three children with a goat, 
One small white dog, and women four; 
Of whom the mistress of the home 
Was questioning in angry tone. 

XXVII 

What mean you all? On visit come 
When to a neighbors I have run 

For just a minute's call? " 
You have a guest," a sleuth replied; 

"A lady, fair and small, 
With dimples and apparent youth. 
If so, 'tis her we wish to see, 
And do not seek for harm to thee." 

272 



THE BETRAYAL 

XXVIII 

As towards the house they slowly go, 
Said sad betrayer, soft and low: 
" That man who suavely spoke 
Is the one met on Sylvan Street; 

And the tall peddler bloke, 
Who has corralled himself so neat, 
Is the much wanted German prince, 
Her love, and spy of consequence." 

XXIX 

" If that be so," responded he, 
"A killing we will likely see, 
Right here in Bellingham. 
But we are only lookers on, 

And hope that each bold man 
Will, if he battle gives, come from 
The fray with only his deserts. 
Now note, while fate with each man flirts.' 

XXX 

From officer to peddler turned 
The householder, with words that burned. 
" Be gone from here at once, 
For such as you are not allowed." 

To which the foreign dunce 
Replied, when twice had smiling bowed : 
" I only came at call of phone, 
By lady who claimed this her home." 

273 



OALIN 

XXXI 

The house door seemed to be ajar, 
And at a touch it opened far; 

When came the woman's call : 
Oalin, here are friends to see, 

Art ready for them all? " 
Surprised! to get no answer, she 
Was prompt to step inside the door; 
And followed quickly many more. 

XXXII 

No maiden there, nor anywhere, 

Though search was prompt for hidden lair. 

Over, around and through 
The little house, which stands alone; 

And children said it true, 
She stood by window where light shone, 
When came the peddler from the street, 
And studied him as though to greet. 

XXXIII 

The large front room Oalin claimed, 
As by the housewife was explained. 
" For she is right good pay, 
And making of her bridal dress 

Has been her work today." 
This tale was backed by carelessness, 
In which the pleasant room was found, 
With scattered bits of cloth all round. 

274 



THE BETRAYAL 

XXXIV 

The machine showed it working good, 
A dress form in the middle stood, 

Against which leaned the broom. 
On its footstand lay folding case, 

And near it a bead loom. 
Nor would the mystery erase 
When careful search outside the house 
Showed nothing that could shield a mouse. 

XXXV 

The sleuths then quizzed each mortal there, 
And careful did their words compare. 

The peddler caught it first, 
But smoothly told the story old, 

How he had got the worst 
Of the bum deal, in being sold 
By the slick talk of outlaw maid, 
Into this tramp, where fool he played. 

XXXVI 

The women then were catechised, 
And prompt was picture recognized 

By every one in turn. 
But marveled most, each sleuth the same, 

When from the quiz, they learn 
That no attempt at change of name 
Had by the wanted one been made. 
Just quiet kept and in house stayed. 

275 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Certain she was no longer there, 
For departure the sleuths prepare. 

But now a little miss, 
Who on the street had errand done, 

But home again e'er this, 
Added a trifle to the sum 
Of knowledge they had in store, 
Of interest, if nothing more. 

XXXVIII 

When I was ready to go out, 
Before this trouble came about, 

My ma told me to ask 
Oalin if she would message give, 

Or was there other task. 
Then heard her at the phone : ' If live, 
I'll be on the Whatcom tonight, 
And thank you for giving the right.' " 

XXXIX 

Questioning failed to make the child 
Admit she had made statement wild, 

Or had not heard as said. 
The agent rose with formal bow, 

Saying: "To go I dread, 
But still may serve, for I allow 
To be on the Whatcom tonight, 
And goods will sell at prices right." 

276 



THE BETRAYAL 

XL 

Gazed the detective after him, 

Made careful search in memory's bin, 

And something seemed to find; 
For wakening smile played o'er his face. 
" If the riddle we unwind," 
He said, "And still keep in the race, 
Our rusty wits must polish bright 
And use when on Whatcom tonight." 

XLI 

When passed the rabble from the room, 
Scarce closed the door, e'er flung was broom, 

Waste basket and dunce cap, 
To corners far from vibrant form. 

While wrap came with a snap, 
Which plainly told of temper warm; 
Though the firm voice had accent light. 
I WILL BE ON THE WHATCOM TONIGHT." 



277 



Scene — On the Whatcom. 

BENEATH THE SWIRLING 
WATERS 

THE ARGUMENT 

It has ever been since the dawn of life, 

And it is so today, 
That a woman who seems unfit for strife 
Is tender, sweet and gay; 
Will in a pinch not yield an inch, 
Nor from the fiercest combat flinch. 

It has always been that the clinging mate, 

Am glad it can be said, 
Will clamer face the cruel shafts of fate, 
Than he who wins the bread; 
Will do a deed, when she has need, 
From which all trace of fear is freed. 



279 



OALIN 

I 

In a stateroom so close and small 
A man could span from wall to wall; 
With door ajar and lights turned on, 
An old gray man, now pale and wan 
From overwork, on his bed lay, 
In what would seem a careless way; 
And swiftly wrote, as had for hours, 
In shorthand, notes on foreign tours. 

II 

At least, that was what he thrice told 
To men who came within the fold, 
With wish to know if he had seen 
Of German spies, the real thing, queen. 
For on that night did armed men search, 
And strove to hunt from off her perch 
A lady fair, whom thus described, 
Which if not true, they sure had lied. 

Ill 

These men had writ from Uncle Sam 
To search and scour, to pull and slam; 
And it was used to full extent, 
For they into all corners went, 
And each of the two hundred rooms 
They did upturn as would with brooms. 
While never minding curses loud 
Which they received from angry crowd. 

280 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

IV 

When found a lady young and fair — 
And very many such were there — 
If slender and petite she was, 
Then had that maid or matron cause 
For anger, and to rue the day 
When these had aught to her to say; 
Or rather sorrow for the plight 
She was caught in that summer night. 



But quiz and badger as they might, 
There came no spy queen in the light. 
Yet certain she was on the ship, 
They gave no chance for her to slip 
Away, while these men brave and strong, 
Would vigil keep until the dawn; 
When aided by the light of day, 
To find her would be only play. 

VI 

The German bunch dared not to rest, 
For they well knew that at the best, 
Close up they lay in danger's way; 
And dreaded what the maid would say, 
If she, when found by searching sleuths, 
Should then decide to tell some truths. 
So they in sullen silence kept, 
While murder foul in their hearts crept. 

281 



0AL1N 

VII 

Had the spy hunters only known 

The pointer that the maid had thrown; 

When asking of the ancient scribe 

Permission to behind him hide : 

To take the mattress and then fold 

It lengthwise; and in manner bold, 

Recline on it prepared to write." 

Their chances would have been more bright. 

VIII 

Four hours the maid had lain concealed 
E'er signal came for Dewey field; 
And all that time had busy talked 
Into an ear that never balked. 
In the fond hope he would unfold 
In rhyme, what to him had been told, 
Of her long trip to German lands 
And breaking of the Hun men's bands. 

IX 

That length of time the scribe had wrote, 
Of all the points had taken note, 
And copy made of what she said; 
Which kept him working, hand and head. 
Interest grew with each phase new, 
Till in that time he never blew 
The ash from off his cigarette, 
Nor stopped, his burning throat to wet. 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

X 

When whistle for the field was heard, 
The girl spoke not another word 
About events she had passed through : 
But begged to know if the scribe knew 
Or had some castoff, which would make 
A package, she could easy take 
In one hand, when she left the room. 
For now she would be going soon. 

XI 

A worn old garment near him lay, 
And this was promptly passed her way. 
Paper and string he had at hand, 
So quickly was a package planned. 
It was so spuare, and neat the tie, 
One would sure guess, if asked to try, 
That it must be some kind of book, 
And certain had just such a look. 

XII 

Then bid him view the after deck, 
Which could be done by crane of neck, 
And when report, ten men were there, 
Did want description full and fair. 
Right after this told much of eight, 
And said she thought it must be fate 
Who brought them all together here. 
'Now you will see a seance queer." 

283 



OALIN 

XIII 

The man who on the railing leans, 
Stroking his whiskers while he dreams, 
Is keenest of the German spies; 
And standing near with big brown eyes, 
Is my one time lover, the prince 
For whom I lost my common sense. 
Should I but whisper either name, 
All Yankee land in rage would flame. 

XIV 

The bent old man, so stern and gray, 
To far Japan is on his way, 
On secret mission of some kind, 
He hopes will help the world unwind 
The present tangle in affairs, 
And stop forever all great wars. 
His name would start another wave 
Of wild fury, so will it save. 

XV 

The well dressed man with roving eye, 

Which will not for a moment lie 

In one position, is the sleuth, 

Who has been famous, since in youth 

He learned to read the foreign codes, 

An incident, to which he owes 

His place on force, where long he led, 

But now advanced to be the head. 

284 



BEXEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XVI 

"His three companions represent 
The best police than can be sent 
To search for a much wanted maid, 
Who often has devoutly prayed; 
And who would give both heart and hand 
For the success of native land. 
But cannot prove she has been true, 
For which default she sure will rue. 

XVII 

"The man, who quiet sleeps in chair, 
A cripple is from overthere, 
And should be from his dreams awake. 
Real trouble might for someone make. 
So better far, that he doze on, 
Nor dream a friend may suffer from 
An act, he might perforce prevent, 
If accurate, a bullet sent." 

XVIII 

The after deck of Whatcom made, 
A place on which to promenade; 
And it had been in early night, 
Crowded with hosts of the elite. 
But now, it was not far from dawn, 
And most of these had slumbered long, 
While only hunters, and the maid, 
At game of watchful waiting played. 

285 



OALIN 

XIX 

Across the taffrail lay a plank, 
A painter's scaffold long and dank, 
With outer end for many feet, 
Above the water, which was beat 
To seething foam by the great wheel 
Which whirled as only can the reel, 
When forced by engine large and strong, 
To swift propel the ship along. 

XX 

Oalin did these things close scan 

When for escape she formed a plan; 

Aided by knowledge of the ground 

In all this part of Puget Sound. 

Well had she learned the turn of tide, 

When ship must force and where would glide. 

Few pilots knew more than this lass, 

How best to run Deception Pass. 

XXI 

Of this home lore the scribe knew not, 
Nor did one of her foes dream what 
Was in her mind, when signal came 
For drifting in that narrow lane. 
She quickly raised behind the screen 
With pleasant smile as e'er was seen. 
Then to the scribe : " You best of men, 
I hope that we may meet again." 

286 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XXII 

With springing step she crossed the deck, 

Nor seemed she in the least to wreck 

The presence of four busy sleuths, 

Just then quizzing two frightened youths; 

Nor of three German noblemen, 

Who 'twas plain, knew not how or when 

To dodge one, whom with dread they viewed; 

Though had half round the world pursued. 

XXIII 

She reached the plank and to the end, 
Then wheeled, as if mistake to mend. 
One hand an automatic grasped 
While the other closely clasped 
The package she had fixed with care 
While in the old scribe's private lair; 
And each one thought, who saw her love, 
She valued it all else above. 

XXIV 

The little Colts quick checked the rush 
And made the bold detectives flush, 
As they drew back to parley hold 
Before they took her in their fold. 
She gave to them but trifling heed 
And of the Germans had no need 
To worry, for gray face and cold, 
Of too much fright for action told. 

287 



OALIN 

XXV 

As pantomime the scene was fine — 
Three kultured Huns from near the Rhine, 
In company with gallant sleuths; 
Far down the deck two fleeing youths, 
All bluffed at sight of maid and gun, 
Though never had she threatened one. 
Now having need to pjay for time, 
She said to them in modest rhyme: 

XXVI 

" Over the wide and busy world, 
Where are different flags unfurled, 
Fierce hounds have closely followed me, 
From the Hun land to the Opal Sea. 
Revenge, and a wild lust for gold 
Has kept the trail from growing cold; 
And now like hungry wolves you seek 
To rend one who is frail and meek. 

XXVII 

" But if you dare one step this way 
Before you hear what I would say, 
This precious bundle, with this lass, 
Will drop into Deception Pass. 
Then you will sorrow all your days 
That you sought not in peaceful ways 
To save what is of far more worth 
Than gold, to those upon the earth." 

288 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XXVIII 

Far down below, like from a well, 
The tinkle came of signal bell; 
And e'er the sound had died away 
The bundle struck as though in play, 
Full in the cynic face of one, 
'Twas plain the way he grasped his gun 
His purpose was the maid to shoot, 
If saw what showed intent to scoot. 

XXIX 

It was the shift magicians make 
To help conceal an act or fake; 
And spelled success, for all eyes turned 
An instant e'er this fact was learned. 
Surprise, plain showed on each man's face 
When gazed he into empty space; 
For doubted they that there was time 
To even plunge beneath the brine. 

XXX 

I thought it was at that you aimed," 
He of the roving eyes exclaimed. 
But it won't work, my pretty lass, 
For if I must, sure will let pass 
A bullet through you in the way 
To take the fun from out the play." 
And suiting action to the words 
He leaned far over taffrail guards. 

289 



OALIN 

XXXI 

With gun tight gripped and temper hot 
He waited chance to get a shot; 
While scanned the space to left of swirl 
To catch a glimpse of swimming girl. 
For in the seconds that had passed 
Since signal came to speed up fast 
The wheel had swift hegun to turn 
And did the water wildly churn. 

XXXII 

But not alone the angry sleuth 
Had realized the now plain truth; 
That the pursued had sized the bunch, 
And boldly acting on the hunch, 
Was making a well timed attempt, 
Though in a manner somewhat bent, 
To reach the shore of Whidby's Isle, 
And in freedom to rove a while. 

XXXIII 

This did not suit the spying band, 
No more than those from Yankee land; 
And closely packed against the rail 
Like hounds who sure they have the trail, 
The puzzled sleuths and Germans stood 
So none who might have seen them would 
Have for a moment dreamed that those 
Standing so close were mortal foes. 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XXXIV 

The scribe had followed from his room 
To the cabin's corner, and soon 
He saw what was the maid's intent 
To leave the ship for bold shore bent, 
Just as the Whatcom ceased to glide, 
Forced on by the incoming tide; 
And land e'er the propeller's whirl 
Had time to form a rolling swirl. 

XXXV 

Short distance was to sandy beach, 
And plainly showed it so, at each 
Ebb of water from the shore, 
Which he had noted oft before. 
This made him easy understand 
The statements made to him offhand 
That told of problem in her mind 
He, until now, could not unwind. 

XXXVI 

Statements which had sore puzzled him : 
When at the Pass, can easy win 
My way to freedom," and " Escape 
Would not when there be hard to make." 
While others, of like tenor said, 
Had made him wonder much, and led 
The man to fear she did intend 
By her own act her life to end. 

291 



OALIN 

XXXVII 

Now it was clear, the well laid plan 
By which she hoped to place a ban 
On the free movements of the men, 
She was so cooly facing then. 
A glance of admiration gave, 
As studied chance she had to save 
Herself, and though lips bloodless were, 
He breathed a fervent prayer for her. 

XXXVIII 

Gosh! She has nerve, and some to blow." 

The trembling graybeard murmured low. 

They will shoot you if try to jump, 

Just tumble backwards in a lump." 

In whisper sharp he sent the words 

And grizzled head was nodded towards 

The maid in motions pantomime, 

Which seen might think were caused by wine. 

XXXIX 

Then did the wrinkled face pale grow, 
And fear for her right plainly show , 
As backward turned into the room, 
From which he isued very soon, 
With one hand grasping bottle big, 
While other held a washroom rig. 
But like the sleuths now flushed his face 
For where she stood was empty space. 

292 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XL 

His hands dropped idly by his side 

And to himself he softly cried: 

She has you nicely fooled, I think, 

And without harm has reached the drink." 

Then did the old eyes brightly blaze 

And fiercely earnest was his gaze; 

For as he spoke he noted what 

Before the speaking he had not. 

XLI 

That each sleuth tightly grasped his gun, 

And of the Germans never one 

But was ready to shoot the girl 

When she appeared above the swirl. 

You would murder that maiden fair," 

He shrieked, with wildly frantic air; 

While hands close clutched the weapons slight. 

Intent to hurl with all his might. 

XLII 

But e'er he could such action take, 
Or e'en had time a move to make, 
Was flung across the ten-yard space 
To where each watcher stood in place 
An open can of bright red paint, 
With such a twist as would attaint 
Each Yankee sleuth and German spy, 
While can itself went swiftly by. 

293 



OALIN 

XLIII 

Even as saw the can in air 
Remembered where had seen near chair 
Of seeming sleeping soldier lad 
When of the deck a view he had; 
And quickly toward the dreamer turned 
To see him with excitement burned. 
Instead of which a hanging head, 
And to what was occurring, dead. 

XLIV 

The bunch with which we are acquaint 
Was each one doused with sticky paint; 
And great turmoil at once arose. 
Then horrified the old scribe goes 
With hope to be of aid to them, 
Who needed it, if ever, then. 
But e'er he could of service be 
All had ended in tragedy. 

XLV 

The men were standing close beside 
The plank, which was both long and wide, 
With over water, the great weight. 
While sticky missile did create 
A jostle, through the dense packed bunch 
Who still were following the hunch 
That she would rise beyond the swirl, 
And anxious seemed to shoot a girl. 

294 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

XLVI 

The jostle shoved the heavy plank 
From its moorings beneath a tank; 
When the quick drop of outer end 
Did some men from their balance send. 
Each falling man another grasped 
And in a moment closely clasped 
Were sleuth and spy, in an attempt 
To keep the pry from where it went. 

XLVII 

For the next instant one foot's slip 
Let inner end make upward tip; 
And as the out end downward plunged 
Against the rail the humans lunged. 
The angle caused the plank to slide, 
And then as seaward it would glide 
There rose a wildly anguished wail, 
While two were thrown outside the rail. 

XLVIII 

Then those who still were on the deck 
Made desperate attempt to wreck 
The combination they had formed, 
For every man was now alarmed. 
But those suspended in mid air 
Clung close to men who took good care 
To cling to those that were behind, 
All seeming of a single mind. 

295 



OALIN 

XLIX 

Again there was a moment's halt, 
And failing of another fault, 
There seemed a chance the tide to turn, 
So braced each man with footing firm. 
Without command he filled lungs full, 
And thus prepared for mighty pull, 
Well knowing they must win or die, 
Still had not time for word or sigh. 



Before to pull there was a chance, 
Fate hard did fling his fatal lance, 
In form of wave of greater height, 
Which caught the plank's end, holding tight; 
And brought it down with sudden twist, 
As demon waters round it hissed; 
In contact with swift turning wheel, 
Which caused it in the surf to reel. 

LI 

The toss up of the plank's in end 

With swaying motion, quick did rend 

In twain the power to resist, 

And with no part of horror missed 

The men and plank were sudden whirled 

Into the water wildly swirled; 

Where none could for a moment live, 

And he who went his life must give. 

296 



BENEATH THE SWIRLING WATERS 

LII 

While hurrying across the deck, 
With hope to help them save from wreck 
The tragedy the scribe had seen, 
Swift changing like a play on screen. 
But though he hastened, all was o'er 
And far beyond his aid before 
His hand could succor any one, 
So quickly was the horror done. 

LIII 

Then for a time he stood aghast; 
But the dark waters held them fast, 
And naught but their wild roll was seen; 
Though over all the moon's soft sheen 
Cast such a changing shadow fair, 
One scarcely could believe that there 
Had been a tragedy enacted 
Which many human lives exacted. 

LIV 

When hope of seeing more was dead, 
His thoughts, as though by fairy led, 
Turned to the man from over there, 
But only found an empty chair. 
The soldier's face he had not seen, 
Nor did his form familiar seem; 
Yet the thought would not go away, 
That somehow he was in the play. 

297 



OALIN 

LV 

When snugly couched and tried to sleep, 
Instead, he pondered long and deep 
On the man's part in the affair. 
If wrong had done, nor could tell where 
Would have him change, if once again 
It chanced that strong and robust men 
Thought to make a target of a girl, 
Unarmed and helpless in the swirl. 

LVI 

All that night, and many a day, 
He wished he knew in just what way 
The maid had come from out the storm. 
Did on the sea's floor lay her form? 
Or did she reach the sloping shore, 
And later come to yokel's door? 
These questions sorely puzzled him, 
And long he failed to answer win. 

LVII 

Days lengthened into weeks, then months, 
Until the charming monolunths 
Ensconced in corners of the yard 
Had clothed in winter's sombre garb, 
Before both hope and reason said, 
Give up, the maid is surely dead." 
'Twas then he did that which she bid, 
And wrote what she had told while hid. 

298 



THE ARGUMENT 

Just when the heart is growing cold, 
When love has lost its fetter strong 
And seems no chance to better wrong, 

Till wild despair is getting bold, 

And grips you in its ample fold: 

What is there makes for sweeter song 
Than is to get a letter long 

In the fair script, well known of old? 
From one we thought had passed beyond 

The reach of earthly love. 
How eager is the missive conned 

With heart throbs far above. 
What was not dreamed could ever be, 
When friend did part from thee. 



299 



OALIN 



The Letter 



" Oalin bids me write you, to often kindly think 

of her; 
And hopes that forgotten fancies will not your 

friendship blur. 
While I want to let you know that she is not 

the clinging vine, 
But is the sturdy oak, round which our love it 

does entwine. 

" She has gone to feed the Duroc, and the Collie 

went with her. 
Full well I know where kittie is, though cannot 

hear its purr; 
And the little red hen of mine is following in 

the line, 
While Bay and Dobbin in the field are prancing 

to her time. 

" She will come by the pasture bars, where old 

bossy waits for her; 
Then to little bossy's bower, protected by the 

fir, 
While to see the bovine mother's care, she says 

is very fine, 
And that the milk the Jersey gives is sweeter 

than the wine. 



300 



L' ENVOY 

" I left a foot and hand in France, 3 o am of little 

use to her, 
But home seems better far to me than does the 

big shell's whir; 
While Dobbin's whinny pleases more than 

frightened peasant's whine; 
And she says some things might be worse than 

caring for the kine. 

" The Man from Over There." 



301 



Appendix 



The author of " Oalin " has been a resident 
of Whatcom County, Washington, for thirty-four 
years, and since 1905 on Lummi Island, near the 
Carlisle, Lummi Bay and Nooksack fish can- 
neries, where Orientals are at » all times em- 
ployed, and during a fish run often several hun- 
dred women and girls. 

Is has long been my practice to keep a date 
book, where matters of particular interest are 
jotted down, and the March 26th, 1918, page 
contains the following note written on that date : 

"A Jap came here today and tried to convince 
me that I am acquainted with some girl that 
carries the mail to Germany. Offered me money 
to tell him about her, and then threatened to 
inform the government about me. He did not 
seem to be a fool nor crazy; but sure had some 
bugs in his head, and went away in a huff." 

On March 30th, the following note appears: 

" The Jap came back again and claims that 
he was one of three survivors from the Austrian 
ship Waiblingen, and that the ship sunk the 
U. S. steamer Cyclops in the Caribbean Sea, just 
before daylight on March 5th, and that the Ger- 
man ship sank at the same time. 

" He claimed to have been on a private mis- 
sion to Germany, and that the mail carrier was 
put off the ship with him in a covered launch 
in charge of two officers, one of whom died the 
night that they landed in Houston, Texas. 

303 



OALIN 

"We had a long conversation, and he re- 
peated his story about the mail carrier knowing 
me, and telling him where I lived. He clamied 
that the woman stole valuable documents from 
him, and that he needed very much to find her. 
He talks as though he was telling the truth/' 

On April 2nd the Japanese called on me 
again, and this time so graphically repeated the 
story of the Cyclops horror that while he was 
talking I penciled the two couplets : 

The heavy laden ship made long side roll 
Till plainly showed the mine-torn hole; 

But flash and crash with sound of breaking came 
E'er she could right herself again. 

which was the beginning of " Oalin," and that 
night and the next day wrote the full description 
of the sinking as it appears in Canto fourteen, 
more than two months before the Government 
conceded the loss of the giant collier; and be- 
fore the next meeting, on April 21st, had out- 
lined the story substantially as it appears in the 
table of contents. It was June before I could 
verify his statement of the number lost, and not 
until the 1919 World Almanac, the size of the 
freighter. 

The Japanese spent the entire day, April 
21st, with me; and .appeared to have given up 
the idea that I knew aught of his Delilah, con- 
versing with a frankness that before had been 
wanting. His story was ever of the girl's trip, 
and the Cyclops, though mentioned at each 
meeting, was only an incident. This day he dis- 
cussed and puzzled over another incident and 

304 



APPENDIX 

analogy, which may or may not be of historical 
value. 

He claimed that in Germany he heard from 
what he considered a reliable source that Lord 
Kitchener was captured when the Hampshire 
sunk, and at the time he left was insane and 
critically ill. 

With time on his hands, and interested in 
the mail carrier, he picked from the maid the 
fact that her lover was Bernard Von Malchow, 
noted and successful plunger in Mexican oil 
stocks, well known in the Pacific cities for a few 
years before the war, and whose vast properties 
have, because of lack of legal claimant, been 
taken over by the Mexican government. 

Going unheralded to his home, she found him 
in a wild carousal, and in endeavoring to escape, 
the man aiding her was murdered. In her flight 
she encountered the maniac, who, in his lucid 
intervals was anxious to send a message to his 
native England. The analogy between the two 
statements was so striking that it seemed to the 
Japanese possible that Bernard Von Malchow 
was Lord Kitchener's jailor, as well as the 
maid's fiance. 

There is a widespread belief that Lord 
Kitchner was captured when his ship was sunk, 
but from many clippings I will here print only 
two of the nearest official, both of which would 
indicate the possibility of the Oriental's surmise 
being true. 

Berlin, April 23. — No greater mystery has survived 
the war than the sinking of H. M. S. Hampshire, with Lord 
Kitchener and his staff on board, in June of 1916. 

For a long time, and even to this day, you will hear the 
opinion expressed that Kitchener did not meet his death 

305 



OALIX 

when the ship, which was carrying him to Russia, went 
down off the Shetland Isles. The story was that his use- 
fulness at the British war office had come to an end and 
arrangements had been made for him to disappear for a 
time at least. Many bets were laid at Lloyd's in London 
that the British war secretary would reappear before the 
war should end. 

Current Story U>touxded 

The general opinion was held that the Hampshire had 
been sunk by an infernal machine placed inside the ship as 
the result of German activity. This is not true. But Kitch- 
ener did die as a result of German activity and, after a 
long and patient investigation in Germany during the last 
two years, I am able to give the solution of the mystery 
and reveal in sequence the events which led up to the death 
of the British war chief. 

I have the story from the lips of certain of the German 
agents who were concerned in the plot, and the fact that 
two independent separate accounts that have been given 
me check perfectly, in addition to the logical aspect of the 
tale, has convinced me of the truth of the statements made. 
I may add that my informers have even now no idea that 
their revelations will see the light of type. 
Reticence Is Dropped 

It was in a little flat in Munchenerstrasse, here in Ber- 
lin, that I first came into the knowledge of the astonishing 
story I am about to relate. It came to me in bits, inspired 
at first by sundry nips of brandy on the part of the nar- 
rators, and later by the confidences bred of a long series 
of social evenings when many ex-agents of the German 
secret service were present. The}' have become less reticent 
in regard to their former activities of late and are in- 
clined rather to boast of their deeds than to conceal them. 

The flat in question was occupied by Frau Elby Boecker, 
widow of an English officer who was killed in the Darda- 
nelles. Frau Boecker is a German woman of the black-red, 
dark type, with brilliant brown eyes, most attractive in 
appearance. She is about thirty-five years of age. 

Directed bt Spaniard 

After her husband's death in 1915, she found herself at 

loose ends in London and naturally her nationality did not 

tend to make her path easy. Also, her supply of money 

was fast becoming exhausted. Nevertheless, she had a good 

306 



APPENDIX 

many friends and was seen almost nightly alone or with 
another in the West End restaurants. One of her especial 
companions was Frau Ritz. Needless to say, neither of 
these names is that by which its owner was known in the 
British capital. 

One evening at the Cafe Royal in the Regent, Frau 
Boecker was introduced to a Spaniard named Alvarez, who 
appeared to be profoundly impressed by the lady and 
sought permission to see her again. A meeting was ar- 
ranged in a tiny Soho eating house, and carefully sounding 
his companion, Alvarez put it to her bluntly that he was in 
German pay and asked her if she would undertake certain 
minor work for which she would be well rewarded. Seeing 
no other means of a livelihood at hand, Frau Boecker con- 
sented and was given 500 marks as a retainer. 

Soon she came to know that Frau Ritz was employed 
in a similar capacity and often the two would be assigned 
to pump British officers who were home on leave. The 
system was the time-honored one of inducing their prey to 
drink freely and picking up what they could. 

Owing to her dark skin, Frau Boecker easily posed as 
a Spanish woman, while Frau Ritz, who spoke English 
without an accent, let it be understood that she was a 
native of England. 

Lost With His Chief 

According to Frau Boecker, it was Frau Ritz who 
actually turned the trick in the Kitchener case and it came 
about in this manner: 

A certain officer of Lord Kitchener's staff became 
violently infatuated with Frau Ritz and for many months 
before the sinking of the Hampshire, the pair were together 
almost every evening. The officer in question will not 
be named because he went to the bottom with his chief 
and no good purpose would be served by disclosing his 
identity. 

However, it is certain that when he had been drinking 
he was inclined to be indiscreet and many a useful bit of 
military information was dropped into eager ears and thus 
conveyed to Alvarez or someone designated by him for its 
reception. And at last a hint was dropped that the war 
secretary was planning a long trip abroad. 

Kitchener's destination was not mentioned at first and 
both Frau Ritz and Frau Boecker were too clever to ask 
questions, but the fact that the officer had said he would 

307 



OALIN 

be separated from his friends for some time made it clear 
that Kitchener was bound for somewhere besides France. 
When this was reported to one of Alvarez's lieutenants be 
became intensely interested and cautioned the women to 
use the utmost tact in the matter and to concentrate upon 
obtaining detailed information regarding Kitchener's pro- 
posed journey. 

Couldn't Undo Mischief 

So well were his instructions followed that, on a June 
evening, in the Imperial restaurant, London, the staff 
officer actually told his companions that he was to accom- 
pany his chief to Russia, and named the date as well as 
the ship and point of departure. All of which was passed 
on before the next morning. 

Evidently the officer realized next morning that he had 
made a indiscreet admission because he made it a point to 
invite his two friends out that evening and mentioned that 
Kitchener was going to Italy, giving the same date that he 
had set the night before for the departure from Scapa Flow 
for Russia. 

But the two women were not to be fooled. They saw 
through his ruse and the damage was done. 

Even while the luckless staff officer was trying to undo 
the mischief he had wrought, word had been passed to the 
head of the German naval intelligence and plans were under 
way to sink the Hampshire. 

Mine Field Laid 

Two submarines were told off for the work and these 
hastened to a point off the Shetlands where the Hamp- 
shire's logical route lay. The Germans reckoned rightly 
that the British would rely on absolute secrecy instead of 
sending the ship over a roundabout, unnatural course. 

The submarines were very busy during the thirty hours 
preceding the sailing of the Hampshire. Many scores of 
mines were strewn in the path it was believed she would 
take. Then the two submarines lay in wait with the inten- 
tion of using their torpedoes if possible. 

As it turned out, it was a mine, not a torpedo, that sent 
the Hampshire to the bottom of the sea. She had hardly 
entered the area where the Germans had been operating 
when she came into contact with a mine and went down, 
carrying all hands with her. 

308 



APPENDIX 

Agents Apprehended 

Frau Boecker was unable to take part in the rejoicings 
of her London friends over the success of their coup. 

She had gleaned a little information in another direction 
and had received 10,000 marks for her keenness. But some- 
how the British agents came to suspect her of irregulari- 
ties and she was arrested and imprisoned in, Hollaway jail. 

Her sojourn there lasted five months and failing to get 
evidence against her, the British authorities released and 
deported her via Holland. She told me with glee of how 
she and other German suspects used to sing " Deutschland 
Uber Alles " for the benefit of the prison officials and of 
other devices to torment their keepers. She laughingly de- 
scribed their methods of baiting pigeons with a piece of 
bacon rind on a string until they would come in through 
the barred windows only to have their necks wrung. Then, 
when assigned to duty in the kitchen or washhouse of the 
jail, the imprisoned women would cook the birds and thus 
obtain a welcome addition to their somewhat scanty rations. 

For her part in the Kitchener affair, Frau Ritz received 
50,000 marks and, feeling nervous about remaining in Eng- 
land after the arrest of Frau Boecker, she fled to Switzer- 
land and eventually crossed into Austria. At present she 
is living in Munich and visits Frau Boecker in Berlin at 
intervals of about three months. 

How much or how little of this story is known to the 
British admiralty I do not know. All that has been given 
out in the original laconic statement is that the Hampshire 
was sunk and that Lord Kitchener drowned. 

And it is likely that no more will be heard from that 
quarter. — From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 24th, 
1921. 

London, July 28 — Sir Richard A. Cooper, unionist, 
in the House of Commons yesterday, asked Lieutenant 
Colonel Amery, parliamentary and financial secretary to 
the admiralty, if he had any official information concern- 
ing the alleged divulgence by an officer on the staff of 
Earl Kitchener, the British war minister, who was lost in 
the sinking of the British cruiser Hampshire in 1916, of 
secret information respecting the intended trip of the 
Hampshire to Russia. Colonel Amery said that no such 
information was in possession of the admiralty and that no 
facts connected with the loss of the Hampshire were being 
withheld from the public. — From the Bellingham Herald, 
July 28, 1921. 

309 



OALIN 

In cantos six, seven and eight are told the 
tragic events which ended Oalin's love dream; 
but the author will not enter the world-w T ide 
controversy regarding Lord Kitchener's fate, be- 
cause legal evidence is lacking; but an unidenti- 
fied clipping in my possession distinctly states 
that the Hampshire was sunk by a torpedo, and 
that the War Lord was captured and had suc- 
ceeded in communicating with his sister. 

June 26th, 1919, I took from the post office 
in Bellingham, a letter mailed that morning, 
which purported to be from the spy woman. She 
claimed to have learned from the Japanese that 
I was writing a story concerning her trip to 
Germany with the mail, and that she had written 
the engineer of the launch, requesting him to 
write me full particulars of the murder ship's 
voyage. The balance of the letter was personal 
and unimportant. 

July 3rd, 1919, I received a letter post- 
marked: "New York, Station H. June 27th, 
1919," and in the same enclosure was a request 
letter from the girl or woman, and a typewrit- 
ten one purporting to be from the Japanese to 
her, dated Paris, April 6th, 1919. The name 
had been cut from the Paris letter, and the name, 
place of mailing and date from the request let- 
ter, which was in the same script as the one 
received June 26th. 

I at once took this letter to my attorney, and 
together we several times went over and studied 
the doubtless historic statement. 

The four letters mentioned above were de- 
livered to a naval intelligence officer, Com- 
mander W. B. Allison, on August 3rd, 1921, and 

310 



APPENDIX 

are still in the Navy Department's possession, I 
only retaining a copy of the purported engineer's 
letter, which follows: 

June 26th, 1919. 
To Lyman Seelye: 

Greeting: — I have received the enclosed letters, and 
after careful consideration, have concluded to write to you. 

I was born in Germany in 1876, and came to America 
in 1900. Was married in 1904, and my family has always 
resided here. On the breaking out of the war I returned 
to the Fatherland, and served on the eastern front until 
this country entered the war, when I personally asked of 
the Emperor permission to resign, as I did not want to 
fight against the country of whom I was a naturalized 
citizen. He refused to allow me to return to this country, 
but placed me on the civil list. 

January 27th, 1918, I was ordered to proceed to Pola, 
Austria, and report for service to the captain of a ship 
which would soon leave that port for service in American 
waters, acting as mother ship to a fleet of six U boats 
that were to attack U. S. shipping and cities. This ship 
carried four thousand gas shells, which the submarines 
were to use in terrorizing the Yankee cities. 

My business was to keep an eye on the distinguished 
Japanese gentleman, an emasculated letter from whom is 
enclosed; and after consultation with the captain was listed 
as an engineer unattached — that is an extra. 

We left Pola on the night of February 13th, flying the 
stars and stripes, and proceeded direct to Ancona, Italy, 
where the second officer, Lieutenant Herbert Wichman, 
who spoke perfect English, boldly went on shore, and repre- 
senting himself as the governor of Maine, held a consulta- 
tion with the authorities, and did some telegraphic stunts 
that were of assistance in getting out of the Mediterranean. 
We lay directly under the guns of the forts with the name 
of the ship, Waiblingen, covered with a canvas on which 
was printed " State of Maine." 

On the night of February 16, when off the Spanish 
coast, we took on board a woman carrying dispatches and 
letters to the United States. She was dressed like a nun 
and seemed very young for such business. At Gibraltar, 
which we left on the morning of the 18th, Lieutenant 
Wichman repeated the Ancona stunt. For the next two 
weeks my espionage only revealed the fact that the captain 

311 



OALIN 

and the Japanese baron both considered the company of 
the mail carrier to be desirable, and she seemed to play 
one against the other. 

Before leaving Pola the captain told me he hoped to 
reach the Indies in time to intercept a freighter that was 
carrying a very valuable cargo of ore to the United States. 
On March 4th a wireless from Bridgetown on the Island 
of Barbados informed us that the Cyclops was in the road- 
stead in Carlisle Bay, and was preparing to weigh anchor. 
We at once turned northwest so as to pass the island and 
intercept her; and was soon in wireless communication 
with her. Wichman still representing himself as the Gov- 
ernor of Maine. 

Near twelve that night I went to the captain's room 
and found him and the lieutenant quarreling. The lieu- 
tenant demanded that the ship be captured, and the crews 
put in the boats before she was sunk; and the captain in- 
sisting that all on board must be sent to the bottom. He 
claimed that to let anyone escape would be suicidal and 
uncover the whole German move. Wichman became very 
violent and would have assaulted his superior, had I not 
prevented by grappling with him. 

At my suggestion, the captain placed the Japanese am- 
bassador, the dispatch carrier, Wichman and myself in the 
covered launch with instructions to follow after until the 
fight was over. I acted as engineer and did not let it be 
known that I spoke English, which was the language used 
most of the time we were on the boat. The launch was 
faster than the freighter, and we were close to her when 
the fight commenced. 

Just before dawn the Waiblingen crossed the bow of 
the Cyclops and threw a mine into the sea. The big ship 
swung hard to port to avoid a collision and ran into the 
mine. A moment later there was a second explosion, which 
broke her into, and she sank immediately. The Waiblingen 
had also turned sharp to port, and this brought the ships 
side by side, and just after the Cyclops disappeared, the 
German ship blew up and followed her to the bottom. No 
one was saved from either ship. 

I was caring for my engine and only saw a part of the 
tragedy; but it appears that your information comes from 
the Jap who had nothing else to do, and he has doubtless 
described it better than I could. 

Fearing gas, we drew away from the vicinity, but in a 
few minutes a third ship came slowly across the spot where 

312 



APPENDIX 

the ships had sunk, and appeared to be in serious trouble 
from the gas. 

We went first to San Domingo City, then to Santiago 
de Cuba, and the third stop was Havana, and in each place 
we procured fuel; Wichman always pretending to be an 
American gentleman on an excursion. The woman had a 
few magazines which she read aloud to pass away time. 
One story seemed particularly to strike the fancy of the 
Jap, and at his request was reread and commented upon. 
During the discussion the woman asserted that she knew 
the author of the story, and I think it was yourself. 

We did not dare attempt a landing on the Atlantic Coast, 
and from Havana went to the Texas bay of Galveston, and 
on the evening of the 19th of March reached the City of 
Houston. 

When the Cyclops was sunk, Wichman was very ner- 
vous, and the trouble grew steadily worse. Once inside 
the bay he gave up, and was in a collapse when we landed. 
We obtained rooms in a small hotel beside the south ap- 
proach to the third bridge, and at once summoned a physi- 
cian, who pronounced the case hopeless. Some time after 
midnight he tried to talk, but could say but few intelligible 
words, among which was mother and George. It was not 
till I read in the papers that the real name of the captain 
of the Cyclops was George Wichman that I fully understood 
his meaning. 

He died about four in the morning, and the Jap, who 
seemed to have a large amount of money on his person, 
arranged with the doctor for the proper death certificate. 

While this was being done, the woman said to me that 
she was very tired, and asked me to tell the Japanese gen- 
tleman that she had gone to her room. He bit for a little 
time, but finally jumped to his feet and exclaimed: "She 
has run away and make a dam fool of me." Examination 
of her room showed that the first part of the surmise was 
true. 

I afterwards found in my vest pocket a card telling me 
how to communicate with her if I needed money, and I 
have twice begged, in order to learn if she was still on deck, 
but she has kept her identity concealed. I had a small 
kodak in my pocket when on the boat, and will send you 
some pictures in about a month. 

I have purposely omitted giving" the name of the captain 
of the Waiblingen, because it is one known over the world, 

313 



OALIN 

and his death has been publicly announced as occurring in 
a different manner and place. A controversy over it would 
not help you nor your book. 

The Italian government is now in a position to confirm 
our leaving Pola on the 13th, and our presence in Ancona 
on the 14th, while the British government can, if they will, 
confirm our presence at Gibraltar on the 18th of February, 
1918. 

Would advise you to keep the Baron's letter intact, for 
your lady friend may want to place in it at some future 
time the parts that have been removed. 

Hoping that my Bellingham correspondant will be 
agreeably surprised at your ability to write a story, and 
wishing you the best of fortune, I am, 

Very truly yours, 

Julius Wirz. 

The statement in the above letter concerning 
the magazine short story — in the Overland 
monthly, November, 1916 — tells why the Japan- 
ese came to me, and is identical with the Orien- 
tal's verbal explanation; and this is true of 
every incident that they both mention; but on 
one very important statement of the Oriental — 
the foundation for canto fifteen — the German 
is strangely silent. 

The Japanese claimed that the Associated 
Press dispatch of March 9th, 1918: "There is 
a rumor, which can neither be confirmed nor 
denied, that the U. S. collier Cyclops has met 
with disaster," was information concerning the 
tragedy furnished an American ship — too large 
to enter the harbor — off San Domingo City, 
at dusk, on March 8th, and that the ship's 
dinghey endeavored to stop the launch as they 
came from the harbor after purchasing supplies. 

But in judging this discrepancy or oversight, 
it is well for the student of history to remember 
that the engineer's statement was made nearly 

S14 



APPENDIX 

sixteen months after the occurrence, which was 
only one of many stirring events. 

October 31st, 1921, the Japanese again called 
on me, claiming to come from Vancouver, B. C, 
to learn why I never had published the story, 
and promised to make verification of its truth 
certain; and he had been gone a day before I 
learned that the Japanese delegation to the 
Peace Conference landed in that city the day 
before his visit to me. 

The next morning after the close of the 
Peace Conference, the following garbled de- 
spatch leaked from the Navy Department, and 
was sent by the N. E. A. service over the entire 
country, since which time those who placed the 
matter before the department only have been 
able to get from it the statement that they still 
were investigating: 

Washington, Feb. 8. — The disappearance of the 
American naval collier Cyclops may be cleared up in con- 
nection with the settling of war claims against Germany, 
which is to start soon. 

This craft put out of Barbadoes nearly four years ago 
for an United States port. Since then nothing definite has 
been known of her. Today a weird tale of a German or 
Austrian mother ship as the assassin came to light for the 
first time from the files of the naval intelligence service. 

The man who gave the naval intelligence service its re- 
port is Lyman Seelye, who lives on the Lummi Island, 
about fifteen miles from Bellingham, Washington. His 
story runs thus: 

A Japanese sailor landing in the island community last 
summer sought information of a woman — a German cour- 
ier — of whom Seelve had been supposed to have knowledge. 
According to the Japanese, the woman and he were aboard 
the German or Austrian ship Waiblingen, which put out of 
Austrian waters in the Spring of 1918 for the West Indies 
to act as a mother ship for German submarines there. 

315 



OALIN 

The woman had valuable papers of the German govern- 
ment and in some way obtained papers which the Japanese 
was carrying. The Waiblingen, changing her name to read 
" State of Maine," put in at Gibraltar en route to the 
Indies. 

Arrived at the Indies, she encountered the electrically- 
driven Cyclops, the strangest ship of its kind in the world, 
and put off mines which blew the collier to bits. The 
explosion also caused the Waiblingen to sink. 

The Japanese, the woman and an engineer managed to 
get into a motor boat befort the Waiblingen sank. 

Off Santiago they were fired on, but the Japanese 
claimed they made their wav to Galveston, Texas, where he 
lost trace of the other two. — Seattle Star, February 8, HJ.'.J. 

The following is from Harvey's Weekly, 
April 2nd, 1921, on the eve of its author's de- 
parture as ambassador to England: 

President Harding's inauguration day was the anniver- 
sary of the strange disappearance of the United States 
collier Cyclops. On that day three years ago the Cyclops 
sailed from Barbadoes for a home port. When she sank 
below the Barbadoes horizon she sank out of sight forever. 
The surface of the sea for hundreds of leagues around was 
searched during many weeks and months for traces of her. 
Not a vestige, not a scrap of wreckage was found. Her's 
was the fate that met in full the then existing ideals of 
Potsdam kultur in the matter of high seas assassination. 
She was spurlos versenkt. 

In the interval between March 11th, 1841, when the 
steamer President sailed from New York to Liverpool with 
136 persons on board and was never again heard from, to 
March 4th, 1918, when the Cyclops vanished, a period of 
seventy-seven years, there were only seven cases of such dis- 
appearances. But in all of these instances the lost vessels 
were in the iceberg fields, and what an iceberg can do to 
the strongest marine fabric ever put together was suffi- 
ciently demonstrated in the case of the Titanic. The 
Titanic's radio calls for help speedily brought rescuers 
from all quarters to aid her drowning passengers and crew. 
And yet, in spite of that prompt aid, the Titanic's death 
roll was 1,517. Without the wireless, the Titanic's fate un- 
doubtedly would have been that of the President, the City 

316 



APPENDIX 

of Glasgow, the Pacific, the Tempest, the City of Boston, 
the British training ship Atlanta and the Naronic of the 
White Star Line. Not one of them was ever heard of 
from the time of sailing to this day, and in all human prob- 
ability most of them were iceberg victims. 

But there were no icebergs in the tropical waters where 
the Cyclops disappeared. Furthermore, the Cyclops, a 
powerful craft of 19,350 tons burden, was equipped with 
the latest devices in radio telegraphy. Her calls for help 
would have been picked up by every station, afloat or on 
shore, within a radius of a thousand miles or more. Not 
a call from her was heard. Whatever destroyed her was 
instantaneous and annihilating at the first blow. Her en- 
tire hull must have been ripped wide open. Her sinking 
must have been a matter of seconds. There was not an 
instant's time in which to launch a boat. There was not a 
moment in which to unlash a life-preserver. Otherwise 
some traces of either the one or the other would have been 
found. 

By a process of elimination there are just two theories 
of this disaster which stand up as among the reasonable 
possibilities. Either her boilers exploded, or she was tor- 
pedoed. But boiler explosions in these days are very rare. 
On a vessel of the United States Navy the chances of such 
a disaster are so small as to be quite negligible. Of course 
it might have been a case of collision. But in that event 
some other vessel would have simultaneously disappeared 
without trace. No such disappearance has been reported. 
The only theory that is at all plausible is that the Cyclops 
was sunk either by a submarine, or by a bomb deliberately 
stowed away somewhere in her vitals. In other words, there 
is nothing left save to put down the assassination of the 
Cyclops as one more in the long list of German savageries 
of the sea. 

If a bomb was sneaked on board it probably was at 
Barbadoes. The Cyclops touched there and took on bunker 
coal. This evidently was an opportunity. But, it may be 
said, Barbadoes ports were friendly ports. So was New 
York a friendly port, but that did not prevent German 
assassins making New York a base for dynamiting plots by 
land and sea. Among the Barbadoes coal heavers there may 
well have been a Potsdam spurlos versenkt agent. 

On board the Cyclops there was a crew of 16 officers 
and 221 men. Besides these, there were as passengers 6 

317 



OALIN 

officers and 51 enlisted men, as well as the United States 
Consul General at Rio Janeiro, Mr. Alfred L. W. Gott- 
schalk — all told, 295 persons. It was not quite so heavy 
a bag as the Lusitania murderer made, but it was, never- 
theless, a pretty fair day's killing for the Huns. 
Weekly, April 2, 1921. 

This statement is by ex-Secretary Daniels, 
and taken from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of 
November 13th, 1921: 

As a matter of fact, of the 450 vessels actually sailing 
for the N. O. T. S., only 18 were lost — eight sunk by tor- 
pedoes or German mines, four from collisions and six from 
other accidents, such as fire or stranding. 

One of these cases was the most mysterious thing that 
happened during the war — the disappearance of the 
Cyclops. This vessel, carrying a cargo of manganese, was 
bound for Baltimore. She was proceeding steadily, with 
no indication of any doubt as to her seaworthiness. She 
reported having some trouble with one of her engines, but 
her captain felt confident that he could easily reach port, 
though using one engine would somewhat reduce his speed. 
March 4, 1918, she put into Barbados, British West Indies, 
to take aboard coal for the rest of the voyage. While at 
that place there was no indication of anything unusual, and 
among officers, crew and passengers there seemed to be 
no apprehension or forebodings of trouble or disaster. 
After coaling she sailed away. Many persons saw her sail; 
other vessels hailed her as she passed out to sea. 

After that, no one ever saw her again, or heard one 
word or ever found any trace of her. Almost invariably, 
when a vessel is sunk, bodies of the drowned are found, and 
a mass of floating wreckage. But never a soul of all those 
on the big 19,000-ton ship, never a stick of wreckage or 
one thing from the lost ship was ever discovered. 

Two hundred and ninety-three perished when the Cyclops 
went down. In addition to her officers and crew she was 
bringing north some 51 enlisted men who had been serving 
on United States vessels in South American waters as well 
as a few civilians returning from Brazil, among them Mau- 
rice Gottschalk, United States consul at Rio de Janeiro. 

What happened to her? There were many theories, 
most of them wild and untenable; none that seemed to fit 

318 



APPENDIX 

the case thoroughly. Many people jumped to the conclu- 
sion that she was sunk by a submarine, but, so far as 
known, there was no submarine anywhere near that region. 
Others, seizing upon the fact that her commanding officer, 
Lieut. Com. W. G. Worley, was a native of Germany and 
that a number of the crew had German names, thought her 
captain and crew had turned traitors and taken the ship to 
Germany. Lieutenant-Commander Worley had come to 
America as a boy, he had been employed in the naval 
auxiliary service for nearly 20 years with no evidence of 
disloyalty. But this belief among some outside the navy 
that the ship had been taken to Germany persisted until 
the armistice, when there was undeniable proof that no 
such vessel had been captured, turned over or sighted, and 
the Germans knew no more about her fate than we did. 

The only theory that seems tenable is the Cyclops was 
caught in some sudden West Indian hurricane; that her 
cargo shifted, listing the vessel, which turned turtle and 
went down. This is the only way in which the absence of 
wreckage can be accounted for. Our colliers of this "type 
have high steel beams like cranes, with chains of buckets to 
load and unload coal. If she went down bottem up, these 
huge steel fingers might have pinned down everything on 
deck, allowing nothing to float to the surface. That is what 
seems most probable. But, like everything else connected 
with the case, it is all conjecture. 

" Fate unknown," is the inscription beside the name of 
the Cyclops on the navy list. The waves that sweep over 
where she lies conceal the secret. Her fate will probably 
remain a mystery until that Last Day when the waters are 
rolled back and the sea gives up its dead. — Seattle Post- 
Intelligencer, November 13, 1921. 

Beaufort, N. C, March 26. — A bottle containing a 
note purporting to be signed by an engineer aboard the 
navy collier Cyclops, which disappeared at sea in 1917, was 
picked up today northeast of Cape Lookout lighthouse. 
The note stated that a German submarine was close by; 
that all hands had been ordered on board the U boat, and 
that the ship was then to be torpedoed. The note was 
smirched with grease and the bottle was stopped with a 
rubber stopper and was covered with sea brine. — Belling- 
ham Herald, March .?.!. 1922. 

319 



OALIN 

This clipping is from the Bellingham Herald, 
and is the latest development in the mystery of 
the Cyclops; and all of these statements point 
to the probable truth of the story told by the 
Japanese, one of the brightest and best informed 
men I ever have met. 

It was not the story of the Cyclops, nor of 
the maniac, nor of the skillful evasion of the 
censorship that interested this man; but that of 
the girl - — possibly our fellow townswoman — 
whose steady nerve, when learned that she had 
played wrong in the eternal triangle, stamps her 
as a true, though very modern, heroine. 

Lyman Seelye. 

Bellingham, June 1, 1922. 



320 



